Reading terminal and program for reading

Abstract

This reading terminal is a portable reading terminal that comprises an imaging unit and optically reads an information code located in the imaging range of the imaging unit. The reading terminal comprises: a touch panel type display device that is provided with a display surface, displays a trigger image on the display surface, and detects a user's touch on the display surface; and a control unit that detects a specific touch operation on the basis of the touch detection by the display device, and starts an information code reading process when the specific touch operation is detected in a specific operation effective area on the display surface on which the trigger image is displayed. The specific operation effective area includes the location where the trigger image is displayed.

Description

Reading terminal, reading program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reading terminal and a reading program.

[0002] For example, a reading terminal that optically reads information codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes may include an imaging unit capable of capturing an image of the information code and a physical trigger (e.g., a read button) operated by a user for reading. In recent years, as reading terminals have become lighter and thinner, workers (i.e., users) have begun to carry reading terminals around with them. In such portable reading terminals, the physical trigger may be located on the side of a substantially plate-shaped housing, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. This allows a user to operate physical keys with their thumb or the like while holding the reading terminal in one hand.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-67252

[0004] While a thinner or lighter reading terminal is desirable for improving portability, it also places greater restrictions on the position and size of the physical trigger used for reading. This makes it difficult to improve the operability of the physical trigger. Furthermore, how a user holds the reading terminal (i.e., how they hold the housing) is user-dependent. Therefore, when a user holds the reading terminal in one hand and applies force with their hand (i.e., their fingers) to press the physical trigger, the orientation of the reading terminal may shift in the direction of the physical trigger. Such a shift in the orientation of the reading terminal may cause, for example, part of the information code to fall outside the imaging range of the imaging unit. This may hinder rapid reading of the information code. Thus, there is still room for improvement in portable reading terminals in terms of achieving rapid reading of information codes and improving the efficiency of the reading process.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems and has a main purpose of contributing to improving the efficiency of reading operations using a portable reading terminal.

[0006] A reading terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a portable reading terminal that includes an imaging unit and optically reads an information code located within the imaging range of the imaging unit, and includes: a touch panel display device that includes a display surface, displays a trigger image on the display surface, and detects a user's touch on the display surface; and a control unit that detects a specific touch operation based on the touch detection by the display device, and starts a reading process of the information code when the specific touch operation is detected in a specific operation effective area on the display surface where the trigger image is displayed, wherein the specific operation effective area includes the position where the trigger image is displayed.

[0007] A reading program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a portable reading terminal that has an imaging unit and optically reads an information code located within the imaging range of the imaging unit, the reading program having a display surface, a touch panel display device that displays an image on the display surface, and detects a user's touch on the display surface, the reading program for operating the reading terminal comprises: a trigger image on the display surface; a specific touch operation based on touch detection by the display device; and when the specific touch operation is detected in a specific operation effective area on the display surface where the trigger image is displayed, starts a reading process of the information code; and operates the reading terminal so that the specific operation effective area includes the position where the trigger image is displayed.

[0008] 1 is a front view of a reading terminal according to a first embodiment; a side view of the reading terminal; a block diagram showing the configuration of the reading terminal; a schematic diagram for explaining a state of a reading terminal according to the prior art at a certain point in time; a schematic diagram for explaining a state of a reading terminal according to the prior art at another point in time; a schematic diagram showing the display position of a trigger icon; a schematic diagram showing an operation effective area of ​​the trigger icon; a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the display position of the trigger icon and a set operation direction; a flowchart showing operation processing of the reading terminal; a flowchart showing normal state processing; a flowchart showing enlarged state processing; a schematic diagram showing a first example of an operation pattern; a schematic diagram showing a second example of an operation pattern; a schematic diagram showing a third example of an operation pattern; a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of an operation pattern; a flowchart showing tap operation processing according to a second embodiment; a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the tilt of a contact portion and an identified operation; a schematic diagram showing a first example of the relationship between a finger orientation and a contact portion; a schematic diagram showing a second example of the relationship between a finger orientation and a contact portion; a schematic diagram showing a third example of the relationship between a finger orientation and a contact portion; a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a trigger icon and a specific area according to a third embodiment. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a home screen of a reading terminal according to a fourth embodiment. A schematic diagram showing an input screen for a reading mode. A schematic diagram showing an input screen for a second reading mode. A schematic diagram showing an input screen for a third reading mode. A schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between a trigger icon and a key icon in the second reading mode. A schematic diagram showing the relationship between an operation detection area of ​​a trigger icon and an operation detection area of ​​a key icon. A flowchart showing processing for the second reading mode of a reading terminal. A flowchart showing processing for a tap operation of a reading terminal. A timing chart for reading an information code. A flowchart showing processing for a reading mode according to a fifth embodiment. A flowchart showing processing for a tap operation according to a sixth embodiment. A schematic diagram showing the relationship between a position where a tap operation is detected and a corresponding process.

[0009] A portable reading terminal according to the present embodiment is applied to an inventory management system that uses information codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1A , the reading terminal 10 includes a display device 11, a control board 12, and a housing 13. The display device 11 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as a menu screen and application icons, various data, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2 , the control board 12 is provided on the rear side of the display device 11. The housing 13 houses the stacked display device 11 and control board 12. The housing 13 is the exterior of the reading terminal 10 and is generally rectangular. A display surface 35 (i.e., an operation surface) of the display device 11 is exposed through an opening 27 formed in a front surface 21 of the housing 13. A bezel 28 is formed on the front surface 21 of the housing 13 so as to surround the opening 27 (i.e., the display surface 35). The bezel 28 and the display surface 35 are located on the same plane, and the bezel 28 and the display surface 35 abut against each other so as not to create a gap between them.

[0011] The display device 11 includes a display unit 31 and an input unit 32. The display unit 31 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD). The input unit 32 may be a touch panel. For example, the touch panel may have a capacitance sensor 33 and be capable of detecting the position where the user touches the operation surface (i.e., the touch position). The input unit 32 is placed over the display unit 31. The display device 11 is connected to a control board 12 (see FIG. 2). An MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 51 of the control board 12 controls the display of the display unit 31. Information about the touch position detected by the input unit 32 (e.g., information about the contact portion and information about the center coordinates of the contact portion) is input to the control board 12. The contact portion is a part of the input unit 32, but for convenience, it is also referred to as a part of the display surface 35. The MPU 51 of the control board 12 determines what operation has been performed based on the information about the touch position and the current display content on the display unit 31, and performs processing according to the determined operation. For example, if it is determined that a tap operation has been performed on an application icon (hereinafter referred to as an app icon) displayed on the display surface 35, a process of opening the application linked to the app icon (i.e., a process of starting or restarting the application) is performed.

[0012] 1B , a protrusion 29 that protrudes rearward is formed on a portion of the back surface 22 of the housing 13 near the upper end 25 of the housing 13. An imaging unit 14 that can capture an image of an information code is disposed on the protrusion 29. By disposing the imaging unit 14 (i.e., the protrusion 29) on the upper end 25 side of the housing 13, the thickness of the housing 13 at the center of the back surface 22 is reduced. As a result, a housing structure is realized that makes it easy for a user to hold the reading terminal 10 with one hand. Note that, because the optical axis of the imaging unit 14 that captures an image of the rear is tilted diagonally upward, it is possible to prevent a user's hand from interfering with the image capture when holding the rear side of the reading terminal 10.

[0013] The imaging unit 14 is connected to the control board 12 (see FIG. 2). Image data obtained by imaging (i.e., scanned data) is transmitted to the control board 12. The MPU 51 mounted on the control board 12 decodes the information code of the image data to obtain product information, such as a serial number, contained in the information code. The MPU 51 transmits the product information to a management server via a communication network. The product information is aggregated in the management server. The management server transmits management information, such as inventory information, to the reading terminal 10 in response to a request from the reading terminal 10. The reading terminal 10 may display inventory information, etc. on the display surface 35 by, for example, opening an inventory management application. The MPU 51 performs each process by executing a program stored in the memory 52.

[0014] A reading button 15 is disposed on the side surfaces 23 and 24 of the housing 13. The reading button 15 is a physical trigger that is operated to read an information code using the imaging unit 14. The reading button 15 protrudes from the side surfaces 23 and 24. The reading button 15 is operated by being pressed into the inside of the housing 13. In this embodiment, the reading button 15 on the left side surface 23 and the reading button 15 on the right side surface 24 are disposed symmetrically. This ensures that there is no difference in operability whether the user holds the reading terminal 10 in the left hand or the right hand. The reading button 15 is connected to the control board 12. When the control board 12 detects an operation of either the reading button 15a or 15b, it performs processing to start reading the information code.

[0015] In addition to the components described above, the housing 13 also houses a speaker as an informing means and a battery 16 as a power source for the components within the housing 13. For example, when a trigger operation (described later) is received or an information code is read, an informing sound (e.g., a beep) indicating the receipt of the trigger operation or the reading of the information code is output from the speaker.

[0016] While a thinner and lighter reading terminal is desirable for improving the portability of the reading terminal, it places greater restrictions on the position and size of the reading button, which serves as a physical trigger for reading. This makes it difficult to improve the operability of the reading button. Furthermore, how a user holds the reading terminal (i.e., how they hold the housing) is user-dependent. Therefore, when a user holds the reading terminal in one hand and applies force with their hand (i.e., their fingers) to press the reading button, the orientation of the reading terminal may shift in the direction of the physical trigger. For example, in FIG. 3A , the user holds the reading terminal 10 by hooking the index finger F2, middle finger F3, ring finger F4, and little finger F5 of their left hand onto the right side surface 24 of the housing 13. With the imaging unit 14 facing the information code 61 (more specifically, with the information code 61 within the imaging range IR), the user applies force with their thumb F1 to press the left reading button 15. This causes the attitude of the reading terminal 10 to change from that shown in Fig. 3A to that shown in Fig. 3B. This change in the attitude of the reading terminal 10 changes the orientation of the imaging unit 14, causing part of the information code 61 to fall outside the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14. In this case, the user needs to readjust the orientation of the imaging unit 14. This may hinder the prompt reading of the information code 61.

[0017] 3A and 3B, even if a large deviation does not occur, a time lag occurs until the deviation in the orientation of the image capturing unit 14 is resolved. In other words, a delay occurs in reading. Even in such a case, the response during the reading operation may be reduced.

[0018] In this embodiment, the operation for causing the reading terminal 10 to start reading the information code 61 (hereinafter also referred to as a trigger operation) may be an operation other than the operation of the reading button 15 described above. Specifically, the trigger operation may be an operation on the display surface 35. Below, the display content of the display surface 35 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . Then, the operation on the display surface 35 will be described.

[0019] 4A shows a state in which a home screen is displayed on the display surface 35 of the display device 11. The home screen displays a plurality of application icons 41, each associated with a plurality of applications installed on the reading terminal 10. The application icons 41 are arranged in a grid pattern. The display positions (i.e., arrangement) of the application icons 41 can be arbitrarily changed by the user within a substantially rectangular application arrangement area CA on the display surface 35.

[0020] As described above, each application can be started or resumed by tapping on the corresponding application icon 41. Here, the effective area of ​​the tap operation on the application icon 41 (hereinafter also referred to as the predetermined area NA) coincides with the display area of ​​the image of the application icon 41, with some exceptions. The relationship between the tap operation and the predetermined area NA will be explained in more detail. When the center of the contact portion of the finger (i.e., the contact area) detected during the tap operation is within the predetermined area NA, it is determined that an operation (e.g., an operation to start an application) has been performed on the application icon 41 corresponding to the predetermined area NA. Then, the corresponding application is started or resumed.

[0021] In this embodiment, a trigger icon 42 that functions as a software trigger can be displayed on the display surface 35 together with the application icon 41. The software trigger is an operation for triggering a reading process via an object displayed on the display surface 35. Specifically, the software trigger function, which is one of the extended functions of the reading terminal 10, can be switched between enabled and disabled. When the user selects a mode that uses the software trigger, the trigger icon 42 is displayed on the display surface 35.

[0022] The trigger icon 42 is arranged along the outer edge 36 of the display surface 35. The shape of the trigger icon 42 is a line extending vertically. The color of the trigger icon 42 is the same as the color of the read button 15 (e.g., white). The overall length of the trigger icon 42 is longer than the overall length (i.e., vertical width) of the read button 15 when viewed from the front of the display surface 35. The top end of the trigger icon 42 is located above the top end of the read button 15. The bottom end of the trigger icon 42 is located below the bottom end of the read button 15. The horizontal width of the trigger icon 42 is constant and is longer than the gap between the outer edge 36 and the app placement area CA. In other words, a portion of the trigger icon 42 overlaps with the app placement area CA. A portion of the app icon 41 arranged near the outer edge 36 overlaps with the trigger icon 42. Note that the majority of the app icon 41, including the center portion, that partially overlaps with the trigger icon 42 does not overlap with the app icon 41. Therefore, the app icon 41 can be tapped.

[0023] Here, the size of the effective area (hereinafter also referred to as the specific area SA) for a touch operation (i.e., a trigger operation) on the trigger icon 42 changes (i.e., expands / shrinks) depending on the situation. Specifically, two modes of different sizes are set for the specific area SA. The MPU 51 switches between these two modes (i.e., the first mode / the second mode). The first mode is the default mode. The specific area SA of the first mode coincides with the area in which the image of the trigger icon 42 is displayed. On the other hand, the specific area SA of the second mode includes the specific area SA of the first mode and is an area obtained by expanding the specific area SA of the first mode toward the center of the display surface 35. In other words, in the second mode, the overlap between the specific area SA and the app placement area CA is greater than in the first mode. Furthermore, a portion of the specific area NA is included in the specific area SA. Tapping operations on the specific area NA included in the specific area SA are disabled.

[0024] In the present embodiment, there are two types of trigger operations for the trigger icon 42: a tap operation and a swipe operation. For example, a tap operation can be an operation of tapping the trigger icon 42. For example, a swipe operation can be an operation of sliding a finger that has touched the display surface 35 in a specific direction that intersects with the linear trigger icon 42. In more detail, a swipe operation can be an operation of sliding a finger that has touched the trigger icon 42 toward the center of the display surface 35. Whether a tap operation or a swipe operation is performed, reading of the information code 61 is started. Note that the tap operation and the swipe operation in the present embodiment correspond to specific touch operations.

[0025] Here, when a tap operation is performed, the specific area SA is maintained in the first state. On the other hand, when a swipe operation is likely to be performed, the specific area SA is switched from the first state to the second state, thereby temporarily expanding the specific area SA. Details of the switch from the first state to the second state will be described later.

[0026] The display position of the trigger icon 42 can be changed arbitrarily by the user. Specifically, the user can select between a mode in which the trigger icon 42 is placed at the left end of the display surface 35 (e.g., a position closer to the left edge 36aL) and a mode in which the trigger icon 42 is placed at the right end of the display surface 35 (e.g., a position closer to the right edge 36aR). If the user wants to change the position of the trigger icon 42, the user presses and holds the trigger icon 42 while it is displayed. This allows the trigger icon 42 to move to the left or right end of the display surface 35. After moving the trigger icon 42, the user releases their finger from the trigger icon 42 to confirm the display position of the trigger icon 42. Note that FIG. 4A illustrates an example in which the trigger icon 42 is placed at the left end of the display surface 35.

[0027] The display position specified (i.e., selected) by the user is stored in the memory 52. ​​The following three settings are automatically changed depending on the stored display position. That is, when the trigger icon 42 is located at the left end of the display surface 35, the specific area SA of the first aspect is set to the same area as the area where the image of the trigger icon 42 is displayed when the display surface 35 is viewed from the front. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the expansion direction of the specific area SA when switching from the first aspect to the second aspect is set to the right. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the specific direction related to the swipe operation is set to the right. On the other hand, when the trigger icon 42 is located at the right end of the display surface 35, the specific area SA of the first aspect is set to the same area as the area where the image of the trigger icon 42 is displayed when the display surface 35 is viewed from the front. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the expansion direction of the specific area SA when switching from the first aspect to the second aspect is set to the left. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the specific direction related to the swipe operation is set to the left.

[0028] Next, the operation process performed by the MPU 51 as part of the periodic process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0029] In the operation processing, first, the MPU 51 determines whether a touching flag is set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S101). The touching flag is set when the input unit 32 detects that the user has touched the display surface 35 and is maintained until the detection is no longer made. For example, the touching flag is cleared when the user's finger is removed from the display surface 35.

[0030] If the touching flag is not set (S101: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether the user has touched the display surface 35 based on information from the input unit 32 (S102). If it is determined that the user has not touched the display surface 35 (S102: NO), the operation process ends. If it is determined that the user has touched the display surface 35 (S102: YES), the MPU 51 stores information about the touch position (e.g., the touch start position) in the start position storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S103). Thereafter, the MPU 51 sets a touching flag in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S104), and ends the operation process.

[0031] Returning to S101, if it is determined that the touching flag is set (S101: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether the specific area SA is enlarged (S105). That is, the MPU 51 determines whether the specific area SA has been switched to the second mode. If the specific area SA is not enlarged, i.e., if the specific area SA is in the first mode, which is the default mode (S105: NO), the MPU 51 executes normal mode processing (S106) and then terminates the operation processing. On the other hand, if the specific area SA is enlarged, i.e., if the specific area SA is in the second mode (S105: YES), the MPU 51 executes enlarged mode processing (S107) and then terminates the operation processing. Next, the normal mode processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0032] In the normal state processing, first, the MPU 51 determines whether the touch has ended based on information from the input unit 32 (S201). If it is determined that the touch has ended (S201: YES), the MPU 51 identifies an operation pattern (S202). Specifically, the MPU 51 calculates the trajectory of the operation based on the touch start position and the touch end position. Based on the trajectory, the MPU 51 identifies either a tap operation (i.e., a short press operation), a swipe operation, or a long press operation. Note that in FIG. 7, a description of the processing when a long press operation is identified is omitted.

[0033] If a tap operation is identified (S203: YES), the MPU 51 performs tap operation processing in S204 to S208. Specifically, the MPU 51 first determines whether the identified tap operation was performed within the specific area SA of the first mode (S204). If it is determined that the tap operation was not performed within the specific area SA (S204: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether the tap operation was performed within the predetermined area NA (S205). If it is determined that the tap operation was performed within the predetermined area NA (S205: YES), the MPU 51 performs application start / restart processing and opens the corresponding application (S206). Thereafter, the MPU 51 erases the touch-on flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S207) and terminates the normal state processing. If it is determined that a tap operation has not been performed in either the specific area SA or the predetermined area NA (S204: NO, S205: NO), the MPU 51 erases the touch flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S207) and terminates the normal state processing. In this embodiment, the specific area SA has priority over the predetermined area NA. For example, if a tap operation is performed in the overlapping portion of the specific area SA and the predetermined area NA, the tap operation in the predetermined area NA is invalidated.

[0034] Returning to S204, if it is determined that the tap operation was performed within the specific area SA (S204: YES), the MPU 51 performs processing to start reading the information code 61 (S208). Specifically, the MPU 51 causes the imaging unit 14 to start imaging. Thereafter, the MPU 51 erases the touch flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S207) and ends the normal state processing.

[0035] If a swipe operation is identified (S203: NO, S209: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether the sliding direction (i.e., the swipe direction) is a preset direction (i.e., a predetermined direction, such as upward, downward, leftward, or rightward) (S210). If it is determined that the sliding direction is a predetermined direction (S210: YES), the MPU 51 performs a display screen switching process according to the determined direction (S211). As a result, the screen displayed on the display surface 35 is switched to the home screen or the menu screen.

[0036] After the display screen switching process, or if it is determined that the slide direction is not the predetermined direction (S210: NO), the MPU 51 erases the touching flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S207) and ends the normal state process. Also, if neither a tap operation nor a swipe operation is identified (S203: NO, S209: NO), the MPU 51 erases the touching flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S207) and ends the normal state process.

[0037] Returning to S201, if it is determined that the touch has not ended (S201: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether a slide is currently being performed (S212). If it is determined that a slide is not currently being performed (S212: NO), the MPU 51 erases the touching flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S207) and terminates the normal state processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that a slide is currently being performed (S212: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether at least a portion of the slide path overlaps with the specific area SA (S213). Specifically, it determines whether the starting point (i.e., the start point) of the slide is on the specific area SA. If it is determined that at least a portion of the slide path does not overlap with the specific area SA (S213: NO), the MPU 51 terminates the normal state processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least a portion of the slide trajectory overlaps with the specific area SA (S213: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether the slide direction is the specific direction (S214). The specific direction is a direction toward the center of the display surface 35. Specifically, the MPU 51 calculates the direction of an imaginary line connecting the touch start position and the current position as the slide direction. For example, if the trigger icon 42 is located at the left edge of the display surface 35, it determines whether the slide direction is rightward. Also, if the trigger icon 42 is located at the right edge of the display surface 35, it determines whether the slide direction is leftward. Note that a certain amount of vertical tilt is allowed in determining whether the slide direction is a specific direction.

[0038] If the slide direction is determined to be the specific direction (S214: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether the slide amount is greater than a first threshold X1 (S215). The first threshold X1 is a value smaller than the width L1 (see FIG. 4) of the specific area SA in the first state. The MPU 51 calculates the length of a line segment connecting the touch start position and the current position as the slide amount and compares the slide amount with the first threshold X1. If the slide amount is determined to be greater than the first threshold X1 (S215: YES), the MPU 51 performs an enlargement process of the specific area SA (S216). Specifically, the MPU 51 switches the specific area SA from the first state to the second state. As the specific area SA is enlarged, operation (e.g., screen operation) on the application icons 41 located around the trigger icon 42 is disabled.

[0039] In addition, if it is determined that the slide trajectory does not overlap with the specific area SA (S213: NO), if it is determined that the slide direction is not a specific direction (S214: NO), or if it is determined that the slide amount is less than or equal to the first threshold value X1 (S215: NO), the MPU 51 terminates the normal state processing.

[0040] Next, the enlarged state processing of S107 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. The enlarged state processing is processing that is performed when the specific area SA is in the second state.

[0041] In the enlarged state processing, the MPU 51 first determines whether the slide has stopped within the specific area SA (more specifically, the enlarged portion). Specifically, the MPU 51 calculates the length of a line segment connecting the touch start position and the current position as the slide amount. The MPU 51 then determines whether the slide amount is smaller than a second threshold X2. The second threshold X2 is a value greater than the width L1 (see FIG. 4 ) and smaller than the width L2 (see FIG. 4 ) of the specific area SA in the second mode. If it is determined that the slide has stopped within the specific area SA (S301: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether the slide direction (i.e., the swipe direction) is the specific direction (S302). The specific direction is a direction toward the center of the display surface 35. Specifically, the MPU 51 calculates the direction of a virtual line connecting the touch start position and the current position as the slide direction. For example, when the trigger icon 42 is located at the left end of the display surface 35, it is determined whether the sliding direction is to the right. When the trigger icon 42 is located at the right end of the display surface 35, it is determined whether the sliding direction is to the left. As in S214, a certain degree of vertical tilt is allowed in determining whether the sliding direction is a specific direction. In addition, the sliding amount of the swipe operation detected as the trigger operation in this embodiment is greater than the operation stroke of the read button 15.

[0042] If the slide direction is determined to be the specific direction (S302: YES), the MPU 51 stops accepting a second operation until the touch ends (S303). The MPU 51 then performs processing to start reading the information code 61 (S304). Specifically, the MPU 51 causes the imaging unit 14 to start imaging. Thereafter, the MPU 51 erases the touch-on flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S305). The MPU 51 then performs processing to reduce the specific area SA (S306) and terminates the enlarged state processing. In the reduction processing, the MPU 51 switches the specific area SA from the second state to the first state. As the specific area SA is reduced, the application icons 41 located around the trigger icon 42 are released from a state in which operations (e.g., screen operations) on the application icons 41 are disabled. In addition, even if it is determined that the slide direction is not a specific direction (S302: NO), the MPU 51 erases the touch flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S305), performs a reduction process of the specific area SA (S306), and terminates the enlarged state process.

[0043] Returning to S301, if it is determined that the slide has not stopped within the specific area SA (more specifically, the enlarged portion) (S301: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether the touch has ended (S307). If it is determined that the touch has ended (S307: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether the slide direction (i.e., the swipe direction) is the specific direction (S308). The specific direction is a direction toward the center of the display surface 35. If it is determined that the slide direction is not the specific direction (S308: NO), the MPU 51 erases the touching flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S305), performs a reduction process of the specific area SA (S306), and ends the enlarged state process.

[0044] If the sliding direction is determined to be the specific direction (S308: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether the touch ended within the specific area SA (S309). Specifically, the length of the line segment connecting the touch start position and the touch end position is calculated as the sliding amount. The MPU 51 then determines whether the sliding amount is smaller than a second threshold X2. The second threshold X2 is greater than the width L1 (see FIG. 4) and smaller than the width L2 (see FIG. 4) of the specific area SA in the second mode. If the touch ended within the specific area SA (S309: YES), the MPU 51 performs a process of starting reading the information code 61 (S304). In other words, in this embodiment, the trigger operation is detected both when the sliding finger is stopped and when the sliding finger is released. Thereafter, the MPU 51 erases the touch flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S305), performs a process of reducing the specific area SA (S306), and ends the enlarged state process.

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined that the touch has not ended within the specific area SA (S309: NO), i.e., if the slide has been made beyond the specific area SA, the MPU 51 performs a display screen switching process according to the slide direction (S310). As a result, the screen displayed on the display surface 35 is switched to the home screen or the menu screen. After the display screen switching process, the MPU 51 erases the touch flag set in the flag storage area of ​​the memory 52 (S305), performs a reduction process of the specific area SA (S306), and ends the enlarged state process.

[0046] Next, operation patterns will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . A trigger icon 42 is displayed on the display surface 35. As shown in FIG. 9A , a user performs a tap operation in which the user taps the trigger icon 42 with a finger (e.g., thumb F1), thereby starting reading of the information code 61. Also, as shown in FIG. 9B , a user touches the trigger icon 42 with a finger (e.g., thumb F1) and performs a swipe operation in which the touching finger is slid along the display surface 35 toward the center of the display surface 35, thereby enlarging the specific area SA during the swipe operation. Then, when the user finishes the slide (e.g., stops and releases the finger) in the enlarged portion of the specific area SA, reading of the information code 61 starts. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9C , a user performs a swipe operation in which the user continues to slide the finger that has been slid toward the center beyond the specific area SA. In this case, the screen displayed on the display surface 35 changes when the user releases the finger from the display surface 35. 9D , the user may perform a swipe operation by moving the finger from the center of the display surface 35 toward the trigger icon 42. In this case, since the sliding direction of the finger is opposite to the specific direction, reading of the information code 61 is not started based on the swipe operation.

[0047] According to the first embodiment described above, when a trigger icon 42 (i.e., a trigger image) is displayed on the display surface 35, reading of the information code 61 is initiated when a trigger operation is detected in a specific area SA (i.e., a specific operation effective area) that includes the display position of the trigger icon 42. This prevents degradation of reading operability even when the reading terminal is made smaller (i.e., thinner). Furthermore, reading of the information code 61 is initiated based on a touch operation on the display surface 35, rather than a physical trigger such as a button. This prevents deviations in the orientation of the reading terminal 10 due to the operation (i.e., changes in the relationship between the position of the information code 61 and the imaging range of the imaging unit 14). This is advantageous for quickly reading the information code 61 and improving the efficiency of the reading operation. For these reasons, the portable reading terminal 10 according to this embodiment can contribute to improving the efficiency of the reading operation of the information code 61.

[0048] In this embodiment, the trigger icon 42 is displayed near the outer edge 36 of the display surface 35 (specifically, the left edge 36aL or the right edge 36aR). Reading of the information code 61 begins when the user slides a finger (e.g., a thumb) touching the display surface 35 from the outer edge 36 toward the center of the display surface 35. This allows the user to easily trigger the trigger icon 42 with the hand holding the reading terminal 10. Furthermore, in the portable reading terminal 10, the reading button 15 is disposed on the side surfaces 23 and 24 of the housing 13 as a physical trigger for reading. That is, the sliding operability initiated from the outer edge 36 of the display surface 35 near the side of the reading terminal 10 is similar to the operability of a physical trigger. Therefore, the configuration according to this embodiment prevents the operation of the trigger icon 42 from deviating from the operation of the reading button 15. This is preferable for reducing the psychological hurdle for the user when using the trigger icon 42. Furthermore, the starting point of the swipe operation is within the specific area SA of the first aspect that is set for the trigger icon 42. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the trigger operation from being confused with the operation of another icon (e.g., an icon for an application) displayed on the display surface 35.

[0049] Enlarging the effective area (i.e., specific area SA) of a trigger operation (i.e., a specific touch operation) is desirable in terms of reducing erroneous operations. However, enlarging the specific area SA may interfere with the operation of the application icon 41, for example, when the application icon 41 is displayed on the display surface 35. In other words, enlarging the specific area SA may make it difficult for the trigger icon 42 and the application icon 41 to coexist on the display surface 35. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the specific area SA is switched from the first state to the second state (the specific area SA expands) during the trigger operation (i.e., a swipe operation), but the specific area SA does not expand outside the trigger operation process. This effectively alleviates concerns about the coexistence of the icons. Note that in the present embodiment, the specific area SA is switched from the first state to the second state in response to the start of a swipe operation. This prevents the specific area SA from expanding unintentionally.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the end of the swipe operation (i.e., the trigger operation) is detected or when an operation other than the trigger operation is detected, the expanded specific area SA is reduced, thereby preventing the specific area SA from continuously interfering with other operations.

[0051] Because the application icon 41 and the trigger icon 42 coexist on the display surface 35, the distance between the specific area SA and the predetermined area NA (i.e., the effective area for operation of the application icon 41) may be small. That is, when a user performs a touch operation on the trigger icon 42, the user's finger may touch the application icon 41. In particular, when reading the information code 61, the user's gaze is likely to be directed toward the information code 61. The user's gaze is not necessarily directed toward the trigger icon 42. That is, the user may perform a blind operation. Therefore, compared to when the user performs a touch operation on the application icon 41, an erroneous operation is more likely to occur. Therefore, when a touch operation straddles the specific area SA and the predetermined area NA in the first mode, the touch operation on the application icon 41 is disabled. This prevents an operation intended as a trigger operation from being mistaken for an application operation.

[0052] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the user taps the trigger icon 42 from the front side of the display surface 35 to start reading the information code 61. The trigger icon 42 has a linear shape extending along the outer edge 36 (or the bezel 28) of the display surface 35. This makes it easier for the fingers to reach the trigger icon 42 even if there is variation in the position of the fingers of the hand holding the reading terminal 10. Furthermore, the trigger icon 42 has a linear shape extending along the outer edge 36 of the display surface 35. This allows the trigger icon 42 to coexist favorably with other display objects, such as the application icon 41, displayed on the display surface 35.

[0053] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, the configuration related to detecting a tap operation on the trigger icon 42 differs from that of the first embodiment. The characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the tap operation process in this embodiment. The tap operation process is part of the normal state process.

[0054] In the tap operation process, the MPU 51 first determines whether the contact portion of the touch operation overlaps both the specific area SA and the predetermined area NA (i.e., the valid area for operation of the application icon 41) based on information from the input unit 32 (more specifically, information on the contact portion) (S401). If it is determined that the contact portion does not overlap both the specific area SA and the predetermined area NA (S401: NO), the MPU 51 performs the processes of S204 to S208 described above and terminates the tap operation process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the contact portion overlaps both the specific area SA and the predetermined area NA (S401: YES), the MPU 51 identifies the shape of the contact portion (S402). The MPU 51 then determines the tilt of the contact portion from the identified shape (S403). If the inclination of the contact portion is an upward inclination toward the center of the display surface 35 (S404: YES), the MPU 51 detects the tap operation as a trigger operation and performs processing to start reading the information code 61 (S208). If the inclination of the contact portion is not an upward inclination toward the center of the display surface 35 (S404: NO), the MPU 51 detects the tap operation as an operation for an application rather than a trigger operation, and performs application start / resume processing (S206) to open the corresponding application.

[0055] 11 , when the contact portion overlaps only the predetermined area NA, a tap operation on the application icon 41 is detected. When the contact portion overlaps only the specific area SA, a tap operation on the trigger icon 42 is detected. On the other hand, when the contact portion overlaps both the predetermined area NA and the specific area SA, the type of tap operation is identified according to the inclination of the contact portion. That is, when the inclination of the contact portion is an upward inclination toward the center of the display surface 35, a tap operation on the trigger icon 42 is detected. When the inclination of the contact portion is an upward inclination toward the outside of the display surface 35 or when the contact portion is not inclined, a tap operation on the application icon 41 is detected.

[0056] The significance of identifying a tap operation on the trigger icon 42 based on the tilt of the contact portion CP will be described below with reference to FIG. 12 . FIG. 12A illustrates a case where the trigger icon 42 is located at the left end of the display surface 35, the user holds the reading terminal 10 in his left hand, and performs a tap operation with the thumb F1 of his left hand. The shape of the trigger icon 42 is a line extending vertically. When the user performs a tap operation by placing his finger on the trigger icon 42, it is natural that the tilt of the thumb F1 is upwardly inclined toward the center of the display surface 35. In a tap operation performed in this state, the contact portion CP of the input unit 32 that comes into contact with the thumb F1 is not circular but is substantially elliptical. That is, it is assumed that the tilt of the contact portion CP is upwardly inclined toward the center of the display surface 35. On the other hand, FIG. 12B illustrates a case where the user taps a square application icon 41. In this case, the contact portion CP is substantially circular, and there is almost no tilt of the contact portion CP, in order to avoid accidentally operating another icon. That is, by focusing on the shape and inclination of the contact part CP, it is possible to accurately estimate whether the tap operation is an operation on the trigger icon 42 or the application icon 41. Therefore, by performing the above-described tap operation process, it is possible to prevent the information code 61 from being read and the screen from being switched against the user's intention.

[0057] 12C , the shape of the contact portion CP is elliptical, and the inclination of the contact portion CP is upward toward the edge of the display surface 35. When the contact portion CP has such a shape, it is highly likely that the user is performing a tap operation on the application icon 41 with a finger (e.g., index finger F2) of the hand opposite to the hand holding the reading terminal 10. Therefore, it is preferable that the tap operation on the application icon 41 be identified in such a case as well.

[0058] When the trigger icon 42 is displayed along the outer edge 36 of the display surface 35 and the user taps the trigger icon 42 with the finger of the hand holding the reading terminal 10, a particular tendency occurs in the contact portion CP (i.e., contact area) of the finger performing the tapping operation. For example, when the user taps with the thumb of the hand holding the reading terminal 10, the inclination of the contact portion CP tends to be upward from the outer edge 36 toward the center of the display surface 35. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inclination of the contact portion CP of the finger performing the tapping operation is determined, and the type of touch operation is identified based on the inclination of the contact portion CP. This makes it possible to prevent the information code from being read unintentionally by the user.

[0059] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, the display area of ​​the display surface 35 and the monitoring area of ​​the capacitance sensor 33 coincide with each other. In this embodiment, when the trigger icon 42 is displayed, the portion of the bezel 28 adjacent to the trigger icon 42 is also set as the monitoring area. This reduces the impact on the app placement area CA in which the app icons 41 are placed, while enlarging the specific area SA, which is the effective area for trigger operation. In other words, the monitoring area corresponds to the specific area SA. A configuration related to the enlargement of the specific area SA will be described below with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 illustrates a case in which the trigger icon 42 is placed at the left end of the display surface 35. Note that a description of configurations that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0060] The input unit 32 according to this embodiment changes the sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 33 depending on the portion of the display surface 35 (i.e., the input unit 32). As a result, the monitoring area includes a portion on the surface of the display surface 35 where a touch is detected and a portion in the space from the surface of the display surface 35 to a position slightly above the surface where a touch is detected. This space extends not only vertically but also horizontally relative to the surface of the display surface 35. When the above-described trigger icon 42 is displayed, the sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 33 is partially increased depending on the position of the trigger icon 42. As a result, the monitoring area is expanded to include a portion of the bezel 28 adjacent to the trigger icon 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 33 is increased at the left end of the display surface 35 where the trigger icon 42 is displayed.

[0061] Specifically, when the trigger icon 42 is located at the left end of the display surface 35, the specific area SA of the first aspect is enlarged so that the portion of the left frame portion 28aL of the bezel 28 to which the trigger icon 42 is adjacent (i.e., the portion where the specific areas SA are continuous) is included in the specific area SA. On the other hand, when the trigger icon 42 is located at the right end of the display surface 35, the specific area SA of the first aspect is enlarged so that the portion of the right frame portion 28aR of the bezel 28 to which the trigger icon 42 is adjacent is included in the specific area SA. As a result, when the user taps the trigger icon 42, the position adjacent to the trigger icon 42 on the bezel 28 that is not on the display surface 35 is also included in the specific area SA. This makes it easier for the user to perform the tap operation without looking at the trigger icon 42.

[0062] The sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 33 is not increased on the side where the trigger icon 42 is not located, thereby preventing the fingers of the hand holding the reading terminal 10 from unintentionally entering the monitoring area.

[0063] <Fourth Embodiment> In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the information code is read (decoded) based on the operation of the trigger icon 42 displayed on the display surface 35. However, part of the configuration related to the information code reading differs from that of the first embodiment. Below, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that a description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0064] 14A , when the home screen is displayed on the display surface 35 of the reading terminal 10, the trigger icon 42 (i.e., the trigger image) is not displayed. In this state, the read button 15, which is a physical trigger, is also disabled. Therefore, it is not possible to read the information code.

[0065] Among the icons on the home screen, a tap operation is performed on the icon 41a for the code reading application, thereby launching the code reading application. Then, the control mode of the reading terminal 10 (i.e., the MPU 51) is switched to the reading mode. In the reading mode, reading of the information code 61 is permitted. Specifically, imaging by the imaging unit 14 is started, and the read button 15 is enabled. The screen displayed on the display surface 35 is switched from the home screen to the reading screen. As shown in FIG. 14B , a trigger icon 42 is displayed on the display surface 35 upon switching to the reading screen. Then, the software trigger function is enabled. When the information code 61 is located within the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14, the information code 61 is read (i.e., decoded) by operating either the read button 15 or the trigger icon 42.

[0066] The trigger icon 42 has a vertically extending bar shape (i.e., a line shape), similar to the first embodiment. The trigger icon 42 is displayed near the outer edge 36 of the display surface 35. The user can arbitrarily change the display position of the trigger icon 42 within a preset area. Specifically, the display position of the trigger icon 42 can be selected from the left edge area LA and the right edge area RA. The left edge area LA is an area along the left edge 36aL of the display surface 35. The right edge area RA is an area along the right edge 36aR. Regardless of whether the left edge area LA or the right edge area RA is selected, the display position of the trigger icon 42 can be adjusted vertically. The position of the trigger icon 42 can be changed by pressing and holding the trigger icon 42. The user moves the trigger icon 42 to the desired position with their finger and then releases their finger from the trigger icon 42 to fix the display position of the trigger icon 42. Note that the type of operation of the trigger icon 42 (i.e., trigger operation) described in this embodiment is a tap operation. However, the trigger operation may be the swipe operation in the first embodiment.

[0067] The operation detection area DA1 is referenced when detecting a tap operation on the trigger icon 42. The operation detection area DA1 (i.e., the operation effective area) coincides with the display area of ​​the trigger icon 42 when viewed from the front of the display surface 35. As described above, when the display position of the trigger icon 42 is changed, the operation detection area DA1 is also changed according to the display position of the trigger icon 42. Information regarding the positions of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA1 (hereinafter also referred to as trigger position information) is stored in the memory 52. ​​Touch position information (e.g., information about the contact portion and information about the center coordinates of the contact portion) detected by the input unit 32 (see FIG. 2 ) of the display device 11 is input to the control board 12. The MPU 51 of the control board 12 determines whether the trigger icon 42 has been operated based on the touch position information and the trigger position information stored in the memory 52.

[0068] In the reading mode, a box 45 capable of displaying the read result of the information code 61 (for example, an identification number such as a serial number or product number) is displayed in the upper part of the display surface 35 (more specifically, between the left edge area LA and the right edge area RA). The identification number displayed in the box 45 is not hidden by the trigger icon 42, regardless of the position of the trigger icon 42.

[0069] During the reading mode, the imaging unit 14 continues to capture images. The image being captured is displayed below the box 45 on the display surface 35. By visually checking the image being captured, the user can confirm whether the information code 61 is located within the imaging range IR. An app termination icon for terminating the code reading application is displayed at the bottom of the display surface 35. Operating the app termination icon switches the screen of the display surface 35 to the home screen. It is not possible to read the information code 61 on the home screen. More specifically, the trigger icon 42 is not displayed, and the software trigger function is disabled. The read button 15 is also disabled. Imaging by the imaging unit 14 also ends.

[0070] In a reading operation using the reading terminal 10, the trigger icon 42 or the reading button 15 is mainly operated. However, reading can be difficult for various reasons (e.g., missing or dirty information codes). In this regard, in this embodiment, a software keyboard (i.e., a keyboard image) is displayed on the display surface 35 by switching the reading mode. This allows the user to manually input an identification number (e.g., a serial number or product number). In other words, key input is possible. As a result, work delays due to an information code not being successfully read are prevented. Below, the reading mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 14B and 15.

[0071] In this embodiment, the reading modes include a first reading mode, a second reading mode, and a third reading mode. The reading terminal 10 transitions to the first reading mode when a code reading application is launched (see FIG. 14B). The reading terminal 10 transitions to the second reading mode (see FIG. 15A) or the third reading mode (see FIG. 15B) when a software keyboard is used.

[0072] 14B does not provide manual input using a software keyboard. No software keyboard is displayed on the display surface 35. In other words, the first reading mode is exclusively for trigger operations using the trigger icon 42 and the reading button 15. If reading of the information code 61 fails in the first reading mode (more specifically, if reading fails repeatedly), or if the user taps the box 45, the reading mode switches from the first reading mode to the second reading mode.

[0073] In the second reading mode, as shown in FIG. 15A , a software keyboard 46 is displayed at the bottom of the display surface 35 (more specifically, below the display area of ​​the preview image). A large number of key icons 47 are arranged in a grid pattern on the software keyboard 46. The horizontal width of the software keyboard 46 is equal to the horizontal width of the display surface 35. Therefore, parts of the software keyboard 46 are located in the left edge area LA and the right edge area RA, which are the display areas of the trigger icon 42. More specifically, the key icons 47 include number icons 0 to 9 and letter icons a to z. The left halves of the icons for 1 and q are located in the left edge area LA. The right halves of the icons for 0 and p are located in the right edge area RA.

[0074] Each operation detection area DA2 is referenced when detecting a tap operation on each key icon 47. Each operation detection area DA2 (i.e., an effective operation area) coincides with the display area of ​​each key icon 47 when viewed from the front of the display surface 35. Information about the position of the operation detection area DA2 (hereinafter also referred to as key position information) is stored in the memory 52. ​​Touch position information (e.g., information about the contact portion and information about the center coordinates of the contact portion) detected by the input unit 32 (see FIG. 2 ) of the display device 11 is input to the control board 12. The MPU 51 of the control board 12 determines which key icon 47 has been operated based on the touch position information and the key position information stored in the memory 52.

[0075] In the second reading mode, the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboard 46 coexist on the display surface 35. Therefore, it is possible to use both the functions of reading the information code 61 and key input using the software keyboard 46. However, depending on the arrangement of the trigger icon 42, the trigger icon 42 and the key icon 47 may overlap each other.

[0076] The key icons 47 of the software keyboard 46 include a switching icon for switching the reading mode to the third reading mode. A tap operation on the switching icon switches the reading mode to the third reading mode. A switching icon for switching to the first reading mode is arranged below the software keyboard 46, alongside the above-mentioned application exit icon. In other words, the switching icon is an icon for ending key input. A tap operation on the switching icon switches the reading mode to the first reading mode. In the first reading mode, the software keyboard 46 is not displayed.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 15B , in the third reading mode, a software keyboard 48 is displayed below the display surface 35 (more specifically, below the display area of ​​the preview image). Similar to the software keyboard 46, the software keyboard 48 has a large number of key icons 49 arranged in a grid pattern. However, for the software keyboard 48, a pattern displaying number icons 0 to 9 and a pattern displaying letter icons a to z can be selected. The number of key icons 49 displayed at one time on the display surface 35 is smaller than the number of key icons 47 on the software keyboard 46 in the second reading mode. To compensate for the reduced number of key icons 49 displayed at one time, the size of each key icon 49 is larger than that of the key icon 47. On the other hand, the width of the software keyboard 48 is smaller than that of the software keyboard 46. More specifically, the software keyboard 48 is fitted between the left edge area LA and the right edge area RA and does not protrude into the left edge area LA or the right edge area RA.

[0078] The key icons 49 of the software keyboard 48 include a switching icon for switching the reading mode to the second reading mode. A tap on the switching icon switches the reading mode to the second reading mode. Below the software keyboard 48, a switching icon for switching to the first reading mode is arranged alongside the above-mentioned application exit icon. In other words, the switching icon is an icon for ending key input. A tap on the switching icon switches the reading mode to the first reading mode. In the first reading mode, the software keyboard 48 is not displayed.

[0079] In the third reading mode, as in the second reading mode, the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboard 48 coexist on the display surface 35. Therefore, both functions of reading the information code and key input using the software keyboard 48 are available. On the other hand, the specifications of the displayed software keyboards 46 and 48 differ between the second reading mode and the third reading mode. Therefore, the user can use them according to preference.

[0080] As described above, displaying the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboards 46 and 48 on the display surface 35 is preferable for improving the convenience of the reading terminal 10. However, a portable reading terminal 10 has strict limitations on the size of the display surface 35. When the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboards 46 and 48 coexist on a small display surface 35, the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboards 46 and 48 may overlap or be close to each other. This situation is particularly likely to occur when the trigger icon 42 or the key icons 47 and 49 of the software keyboards 46 and 48 are large. Furthermore, the overlapping or close proximity of the trigger icon 42 and the key icons 47 and 49 can significantly reduce the operability of the reading terminal 10. Below, with reference to FIG. 16 , a phenomenon focused on in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram (a partial enlarged view of FIG. 15A ) illustrating the relationship between the trigger icon 42 and the key icons 47 in the second reading mode. 16B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47. In the following description, the number icon 1 located at the left end of the software keyboard 46 is also referred to as the key icon 47a.

[0081] In the example shown in FIG. 16A , the trigger icon 42 is positioned near the center of the left edge area LA of the display surface 35. The displayed trigger icon 42 is located in front of the software keyboard 46. The trigger icon 42 overlaps the left edge of the software keyboard 46. Specifically, each key icon 47 of the software keyboard 46 is shaped like a vertical bar. The trigger icon 42 overlaps the left portions of some of the key icons 47, including the key icon 47a. In other words, the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 partially overlaps the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47a (see FIG. 16B ). Hereinafter, the area where the operation detection areas DA1 and DA2 overlap is referred to as the overlap area DAX. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the overlap area DAX functions as either the operation detection areas DA1 and DA2 or the operation detection area DA2.

[0082] Here, when tapping the trigger icon 42, the user may accidentally tap the key icon 47a. To avoid this, the user taps a portion of the trigger icon 42 (i.e., the operation detection area DA1) that is away from the key icon 47a (see, for example, CP1). The trigger icon 42 shown in this embodiment is vertically longer than the key icon 47a. Furthermore, the portion of the operation detection area DA1 other than the overlapping area DAX is also sufficiently large. Therefore, it is not difficult for the user to operate the trigger icon 42 while avoiding the key icon 47a.

[0083] Similarly, when tapping the key icon 47a, the user may accidentally tap the trigger icon 42. To avoid this, the user taps a portion of the key icon 47a (i.e., the operation detection area DA2) that is away from the trigger icon 42 (see, for example, CP2). However, the key icon 47a is smaller than the trigger icon 42. In addition, the left half of the key icon 47a overlaps with the trigger icon 42. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to operate the key icon 47a while avoiding the trigger icon 42.

[0084] For example, it is conceivable that the user may move the trigger icon 42 to a position away from the key icon 47a before tapping the key icon 47a. This may prevent the key icon 47a from interfering with operation or causing an erroneous operation. However, such a preliminary operation is undesirable in terms of improving work efficiency. Furthermore, using the third reading mode may alleviate the above-mentioned concerns about work efficiency. However, forcing the use of the third reading mode is undesirable in terms of improving convenience.

[0085] Here, the usage situation of the reading terminal 10 may differ between when the user taps the trigger icon 42 to read an information code and when the user operates the key icon 47 to perform key input. For example, when the user taps the trigger icon 42 to read an information code, the user points the reading terminal 10 (i.e., the imaging unit 14) toward the information code and the item to which the information code is attached. On the other hand, when the user operates the key icon 47 to perform key input, the user does not perform such an action. In this embodiment, taking into account such differences in situations, the reading of the information code (i.e., the operation of the trigger icon 42) is enabled / disabled. Below, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17 , the switching between enabling / disabling the operation of the trigger icon 42 (specifically, the second reading mode processing performed by the MPU 51 of the control board 12) will be described. The second reading mode processing is part of the reading mode processing periodically performed by the MPU 51 of the control board 12 when the code reading application is opened (i.e., when the control mode of the reading terminal 10 is the reading mode). The read mode process may be performed, for example, every 10 msec.

[0086] (Processing for Second Reading Mode) In the processing for the second reading mode, the MPU 51 first determines whether the current reading mode is the second reading mode (S501). If it is determined that the current reading mode is not the second reading mode (S501: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether a condition for switching from the first reading mode or the third reading mode to the second reading mode is met (S502). For example, if a switching operation to the second reading mode is performed in the first reading mode or the third reading mode, or if reading of the information code fails consecutively in the first reading mode, a second reading mode switching flag is set. In S502, the MPU 51 determines "yes" if the second reading mode switching flag is set, and determines "no" if the second reading mode switching flag is not set.

[0087] If it is determined that the switching condition to the second reading mode is not satisfied (S502: NO), the MPU 51 terminates the second reading mode processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the switching condition to the second reading mode is satisfied (S502: YES), the MPU 51 performs switching processing to the second reading mode (S503). In the switching processing to the second reading mode, the MPU 51 reduces the display area of ​​the image being captured on the display surface 35. Then, the MPU 51 additionally displays the software keyboard 46 below the display surface 35 and sets an operation detection area DA2 for the software keyboard 46 (i.e., the key icon 47). The second reading mode switching flag is cleared when switching to the second reading mode is completed.

[0088] After switching to the second reading mode in S503, or when it is determined in S501 that the current reading mode is the second reading mode, the MPU 51 determines whether the user is manually inputting information using the software keyboard 46 (S504). The information may be an identification number (e.g., a product number or a serial number), etc. Specifically, the MPU 51 determines whether a number input flag is set. The number input flag is set when input of the identification number begins and cleared when input of the identification number is completed.

[0089] If it is determined that the user is not currently inputting a number (S504: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether an information code is located within the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14. Specifically, the MPU 51 captures an image from the imaging unit 14 (S505) and determines whether the captured image includes an information code (S506). More specifically, it determines whether the captured image includes the entire information code. Alternatively, it determines whether the captured image includes enough of the information code to be presumed readable (i.e., decodable). Note that at this point, the information code has not yet been read (i.e., decoded).

[0090] If it is determined that the captured image contains an information code (S507: YES), the MPU 51 performs processing to enable (S508) the trigger function (hereinafter also referred to as the software trigger function) associated with the trigger icon 42. The MPU 51 then terminates the second reading mode processing. During the activation processing, if the software trigger function is already enabled, it remains enabled. If the software trigger function is disabled, it is enabled. That is, in this embodiment, the software trigger function is enabled when an information code is located within the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14, i.e., when the imaging unit 14 of the reading terminal 10 is directed toward the information code. With the software trigger function enabled, the trigger icon 42 is operable (i.e., a trigger operation can be accepted). That is, the information code 61 can be read (i.e., decoded) based on a trigger operation (e.g., a tap operation) of the trigger icon 42. More specifically, a trigger operation can be accepted in the operation detection area DA1 (including the overlap area DAX) of the trigger icon 42. Key operations can be received in the portion excluding the overlapping area DAX of the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47. In other words, when a tap operation is detected in the overlapping area DAX, the tap operation is used as a trigger operation.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is determined that the captured image does not contain an information code (S507: NO), the MPU 51 performs processing to disable the software trigger function (S509). Thereafter, the MPU 51 terminates the second reading mode processing. In the disabling processing, if the software trigger function has already been disabled, the disabled state is maintained. If the software trigger function has been enabled, the software trigger function is disabled. That is, in this embodiment, if an information code is not located within the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14, i.e., if the imaging unit 14 of the reading terminal 10 is not directed at the information code, the software trigger function is disabled. With the software trigger function disabled, the trigger icon 42 is inoperable. That is, reading (i.e., decoding) of the information code based on a trigger operation (e.g., a tap operation) of the trigger icon 42 is impossible. More specifically, trigger operations cannot be accepted in the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42. Key operations can be accepted throughout the entire area, including the overlap area DAX of the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47. That is, when a tap operation is detected in the overlapping area DAX, the tap operation is used as a key operation.

[0092] As described above, when no number is being input, it is periodically determined whether an information code is located within the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14. Then, the software trigger function is switched between enabled and disabled depending on whether or not an information code is present.

[0093] Returning to S504, if it is determined that the user is currently inputting a number (S504: YES), the MPU 51 performs processing to disable the software trigger function (S509) and ends the processing for the second reading mode.

[0094] Next, a description will be given of the tap operation process performed by the MPU 51 of the control board 12 when the code reading application is opened (i.e., when the control mode of the reading terminal 10 is the reading mode). The tap operation process is part of the operation response process that is performed as part of the periodic process. The tap operation process is performed when it is determined that a tap operation has been performed. Note that the operation referred to in the following description of the tap operation process is a tap operation.

[0095] (Tap Operation Processing) As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18 , in the tap operation processing, the MPU 51 first determines whether the software trigger function is enabled (S601). If it is determined that the software trigger function is enabled (S601: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether an operation of the trigger icon 42 (i.e., a trigger operation) has been performed (S602). In this embodiment, the layout of the trigger icon 42 can be arbitrarily changed by the user. Position information (e.g., customization information) indicating the layout of the trigger icon 42 is stored in the memory 52. ​​In S602, the MPU 51 determines whether a tap operation has been detected in the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 based on information (i.e., detection information) from the input unit 32 of the display device 11 and the position information of the trigger icon 42 stored in the memory 52. ​​That is, it is determined whether a software trigger operation has been performed.

[0096] If it is determined that the software trigger has been operated (S602: YES), the MPU 51 uses the captured image (i.e., the image including the information code 61) to read (i.e., decode) the information code 61. The result of reading the information code 61 (e.g., an identification number such as a product number or serial number) is displayed in a box 45 on the display surface 35.

[0097] If it is determined that the software trigger has not been operated (S602: NO), or if it is determined that the software trigger function is disabled (S601: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether the key icons 47 and 49 included in the software keyboards 46 and 48 have been operated (i.e., key operation) (S604). That is, the MPU 51 determines whether a tap operation has been detected in the operation detection areas DA2 and DA3 of the key icons 47 and 49 based on information (i.e., detection information) from the input unit 32 of the display device 11 and the position information of the key icons 47 and 49 stored in the memory 52. ​​That is, it determines whether the key icons 47 and 49 have been operated. If it is determined that the key icons 47 and 49 have been operated (S604: YES), the MPU 51 performs key operation processing (S605) and ends the tap operation processing.

[0098] A supplementary note on key operation processing: For example, when an operation on a number icon 0 to 9 or a letter icon A to Z is detected, the detected number or letter is additionally displayed in a box 45 on the display surface 35. Here, if the above-mentioned number input flag is set (i.e., input is continued), the number input flag is maintained. If the number input flag is not set (i.e., input is started), the number input flag is set.

[0099] Furthermore, when an operation of the reading mode switching icon is detected, the MPU 51 sets a reading mode switching flag for switching to a reading mode corresponding to the operation. The reading mode switching flag includes a first reading mode switching flag for switching to the first reading mode, a second reading mode switching flag for switching to the second reading mode, and a third reading mode switching flag for switching to the third reading mode. In the above-described reading mode processing, the MPU 51 performs processing for switching the reading mode based on the reading mode switching flag (see, for example, S503 in FIG. 17).

[0100] When switching from the second reading mode to the first reading mode, the software trigger function is enabled. On the other hand, when switching from the second reading mode to the third reading mode, the enable / disable of the software trigger function is determined depending on whether the number input flag is set. Specifically, when the number input flag is set, the MPU 51 maintains the number input flag and maintains the software trigger function in a disabled state. When the number input flag is not set, the MPU 51 maintains the software trigger function in an enabled state. When switching from the third reading mode to the second reading mode, the enable / disable of the software trigger function is determined depending on whether the number input flag is set and whether the captured image contains an information code (see FIG. 17 ).

[0101] Returning to S604, if it is determined that none of the trigger icon 42 and the key icons 47 and 49 has been operated (S604: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether an operation to end the reading mode has been performed (S606). That is, the MPU 51 determines whether a tap operation has been detected in the operation detection area of ​​the application end icon based on information from the input unit 32 of the display device 11. If it is determined that an operation of the application end icon has been performed (S606: YES), the MPU 51 performs processing for ending the reading mode (S607) and ends the tap operation processing.

[0102] In the reading mode termination process, the MPU 51 stops capturing images by the imaging unit 14 and stops capturing images. The MPU 51 prohibits reading of the information code 61. The MPU 51 then ends the display of the box 45, the trigger icon 42, the software keyboards 46 and 48, and switches the display screen of the display surface 35 to the home screen (see FIG. 14A ).

[0103] (Enabling / Disabling Software Trigger Function) Next, switching between enabling and disabling the software trigger function during a reading operation will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

[0104] 19, when the code reading application is launched, the control mode of the reading terminal 10 is switched to the first reading mode, and reading of the information code is permitted. At timing t1 when the control mode is switched to the first reading mode, a trigger icon 42 is displayed on the display surface 35, and the software trigger function is enabled.

[0105] At timing t1, the imaging unit 14 also starts capturing images (and capturing images). In the example shown in FIG. 19, the image captured at timing t1 does not include an image of an information code. However, in the first reading mode, the presence or absence of an information code is not a condition for switching between enabling and disabling the software trigger function. Therefore, the software trigger function, which is enabled upon launching the code reading application, is not disabled. It remains enabled at least while the reading mode is the first reading mode.

[0106] At timing t2 during the first reading mode, the imaging unit 14 of the reading terminal 10 is directed toward the information code, and the information code is located within the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14. In other words, the captured image includes the information code. In this embodiment, the captured image is displayed in real time in the center of the display surface 35. From the image displayed on the display surface 35, the user can easily check whether the orientation of the reading terminal 10 (i.e., the imaging unit 14) and the distance from the subject are appropriate.

[0107] At timing t3, the user taps the trigger icon 42 while pointing the reading terminal 10 at the information code. This operation is detected by the input unit 32. Then, a reading process (i.e., a decoding process) of the information code is performed in response to this operation. Note that the information code included in the captured image is the one to be decoded.

[0108] Thereafter, at timing t4, the control mode is switched from the first reading mode to the second reading mode. At timing t4, if the captured image does not contain an information code, the software trigger function is disabled. At the following timing t5, the imaging unit 14 of the reading terminal 10 is directed toward the information code, and the information code is located within the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14. In other words, the captured image contains the information code. At timing t5, no number is entered using the software keyboard 46. Therefore, if the captured image contains an information code, the software trigger function is enabled.

[0109] At timing t6 when the software trigger function is enabled, the user taps on the trigger icon 42. The tap operation is detected by the input unit 32. Then, a process of reading (i.e., a decoding process) of the information code is performed in response to the tap operation.

[0110] Between timings t7 and t8 after the information code is read, the reading terminal 10 (i.e., the imaging unit 14) is pointed at another information code. At timing t9, the user taps on the trigger icon 42 while pointing the reading terminal 10 at the other information code. Here, the relationship between the tap operation and processing will be explained in more detail. At timing t9, a tap operation is detected in an overlapping area DAX where the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47 overlap. At timing t9, the software trigger function is enabled, so trigger operations take priority over key operations. Therefore, the tap operation detected in the overlapping area DAX is used as a trigger operation rather than a key operation. The information code reading process (i.e., decoding process) is performed based on the tap operation.

[0111] After that, at timing t10, the information code leaves the imaging range IR of the reading terminal 10. This disables the software trigger function. At timing t11 after the software trigger function is disabled, a tap operation is detected in the overlapping area DAX. Because the software trigger function is disabled at timing t11, key operations take priority over trigger operations. Therefore, the operation detected in the overlapping area DAX is used as a key operation rather than a trigger operation. Key input processing is performed based on this operation. This key operation is an operation on a number icon displayed at the edge of the display surface 35. A number is input based on this key operation.

[0112] After the acceptance of number input begins at timing t11, the software trigger function is disabled. Alternatively, the activation of the software trigger function may be temporarily stopped. In this state where the activation is stopped, the software trigger function is not activated even if an information code is located in the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14. In other words, the software trigger function is not activated even if the captured image contains an information code. The suspension of the activation continues until a termination condition is met, such as an operation to complete number input, an operation to switch to the first reading mode, or an operation to end the reading mode.

[0113] 19, at timing t12, a tap operation is detected again in the overlap area DAX. However, because the software trigger function is disabled, decoding processing is not performed based on the tap operation, and key input processing is performed instead.

[0114] At timing t13, when key input takes priority, the reading terminal 10 (i.e., the imaging unit 14) is temporarily directed toward the information code 61. However, due to the suspension of the software trigger function described above, the software trigger function remains disabled. Then, at timing t14, the number input ends. At timing t15, the number input is completed, and the suspension of the software trigger function is released.

[0115] At timing t16, an operation to terminate the code reading application is performed. The reading mode is terminated based on the termination operation. As a result, it becomes impossible to read the information code. The trigger icon 42 displayed on the display surface 35 is erased.

[0116] According to the above-described fourth embodiment, the following excellent effects can be expected.

[0117] A trigger icon 42 (i.e., a trigger image) for the reading operation is displayed on the display surface 35 of the touch-panel reading terminal 10. The software trigger function reads the information code based on a tap operation (i.e., a specific touch operation) on the trigger icon 42. This is expected to have the following effects. That is, even if the reading terminal 10 is made smaller (i.e., thinner), a decrease in operability related to reading can be suppressed. Furthermore, reading of the information code is initiated based on a touch operation on the display surface 35, rather than a physical trigger such as the reading button 15. Therefore, deviation in the orientation of the reading terminal 10 due to the operation (i.e., a change in the relationship between the position of the information code and the imaging range of the imaging unit 14) can be suppressed. This is preferable for realizing rapid reading of the information code and improving the efficiency of the reading operation.

[0118] When an information code is read using the reading terminal 10, reading can become difficult for various reasons (e.g., missing or dirty information codes). In this regard, in this embodiment, software keyboards 46 and 48 (e.g., keyboard images) are displayed on the display surface 35. This allows manual input of information such as an identification number (e.g., a serial number or product number). In other words, key input is possible. As a result, work can be prevented from being delayed due to an unsuccessful code reading. This is advantageous for miniaturizing (i.e., thinning) the reading terminal 10 and improving the convenience of the reading terminal 10.

[0119] The trigger icon 42 and the software keyboards 46 and 48 coexist on the display surface 35. This allows the user to freely use both the information code reading function and the key input function using the software keyboards 46 and 48. This improves the efficiency of the former reading operation and the convenience of the latter. However, the portable reading terminal 10 has strict limitations on the size of the display surface 35. When the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboards 46 and 48 coexist in a small display area, the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboards 46 and 48 may overlap or be close to each other. This is particularly likely when the trigger icon 42 or the key icons 47 and 49 (i.e., key images) of the software keyboards 46 and 48 are enlarged for visibility and operability. Furthermore, the overlapping or close proximity of the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboards 46 and 48 may cause the following inconvenience. For example, when a user operates the key icons 47 and 49 of the software keyboards 46 and 48, the trigger icon 42 may interfere with the operation. When a user operates the trigger icon 42, the software keyboards 46 and 48 may interfere with the operation. In other words, improvement of operability may be hindered.

[0120] Here, the usage status of the reading terminal 10 may differ between a case where the user operates the trigger icon 42 to read an information code and a case where the user operates the software keyboards 46 and 48 (i.e., the key icons 47 and 49) to perform key input. For example, when the user operates the trigger icon 42 to read an information code, the user points the reading terminal 10 (i.e., the imaging unit 14) toward the information code and the item to which the information code is attached. On the other hand, when the user operates the software keyboards 46 and 48 to perform key input, the user does not perform such an action. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the control mode is the reading mode, the usage status of the reading terminal 10 is determined based on whether an information code is included in the image captured by the imaging unit 14. If an information code is included, reading of the information code based on a tap operation of the trigger icon 42 is permitted. If an information code is not included, reading of the information code based on a tap operation of the trigger icon 42 is not permitted. As a result, when key input is performed by tapping the key icons 47 and 49, it is possible to prevent key input from being interrupted due to an erroneous operation of the trigger icon 42. This contributes to improving the operability of the reading terminal 10. In particular, in the second reading mode, the trigger icon 42 and the key icon 47 (for example, the key icon 47a) may overlap. In the third reading mode, the trigger icon 42 may be close to the key icon 49. However, in either case, it is possible to preferably prevent unintended processing from being executed due to an erroneous operation.

[0121] When the software trigger function is enabled during the reading mode, a tap operation spanning both the operation detection area DA1 (i.e., a specific operation valid area) of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA2 (i.e., a predetermined operation valid area) of the key icon 47 (e.g., key icon 47a) can be detected. In this case, the key operation process corresponding to the key icon 47 (e.g., key icon 47a) is not performed, and the information code is decoded. In other words, when a tap operation is performed on the trigger icon 42 to read the information code, the information code is read even if the position of the tapping finger is slightly off from the trigger icon 42. In other words, it is possible to prevent the key operation process from being unintentionally performed.

[0122] Furthermore, when the software trigger function is disabled during the reading mode, a tap operation spanning both the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA2 of a key icon 47 (e.g., key icon 47a) may be detected. In this case, the information code decoding process is not performed, and the key operation process corresponding to the key icon 47 (e.g., key icon 47a) is performed. In other words, when a tap operation is performed on the key icon 47 (e.g., key icon 47a), the key operation process is performed even if the position of the tapping finger is slightly off from the key icon 47. In other words, it is possible to prevent the information code reading process from being unintentionally performed.

[0123] When input of an identification number (e.g., numbers or letters) is started based on a tap operation on the key icon 47 and the input is continued, the activation of the software trigger function is stopped even if an information code is included in the captured image. As a result, even if an information code accidentally enters the imaging range IR while inputting the identification number, reading of the information code is not permitted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the input of the identification number from being interrupted or forcing the user to re-enter it.

[0124] Fifth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the software trigger function is enabled / disabled depending on the usage status of the reading terminal 10. In this embodiment, the switching between enabling and disabling the software trigger function (specifically, the processing content of the second reading mode processing performed by the control unit) is partially different from that of the fourth embodiment. The second reading mode processing in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 20. Note that a description of components that are substantially the same as those in the fourth embodiment will be omitted. The control unit is a functional configuration of the MPU 51 on the control board 12.

[0125] (Processing for Second Reading Mode) In the processing for the second reading mode, the MPU 51 first determines whether the current reading mode is the second reading mode (S501). If it is determined that the current reading mode is not the second reading mode (S501: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether the condition for switching from the first reading mode or the third reading mode to the second reading mode is met (S502). If it is determined that the condition for switching to the second reading mode is not met (S502: NO), the MPU 51 terminates the processing for the second reading mode. On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition for switching to the second reading mode is met (S502: YES), the MPU 51 performs processing for switching to the second reading mode (S503).

[0126] After switching to the second reading mode in S503, or if it is determined in S501 that the current reading mode is the second reading mode, the MPU 51 determines whether the user is manually inputting information using the software keyboard 46 (S504). This information may be an identification number (e.g., a product number or a serial number). If it is determined that the user is inputting a number (S504: YES), the MPU 51 performs processing to disable the software trigger function (S509) and terminates the processing for the second reading mode. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is not inputting a number (S504: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether the trigger icon 42 (more specifically, the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42) and the key icon 47 (more specifically, the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47) of the software keyboard 46 overlap (S701).

[0127] As described above, the user can arbitrarily change the arrangement of the trigger icon 42 in the reading terminal 10. Position information (i.e., customization information) indicating the arrangement of the trigger icon 42 is stored in the memory 52. ​​In S701, the MPU 51 determines whether the trigger icon 42 (i.e., operation detection area DA1) and the key icon 47 (i.e., operation detection area DA2) overlap, based on information from the input unit 32 of the display device 11 (i.e., detection information) and the position information of the trigger icon 42 stored in the memory 52.

[0128] If it is determined that the trigger icon 42 (i.e., the operation detection area DA1) and the key icon 47 (i.e., the operation detection area DA2) overlap (S702: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether an information code is located within the image capture range IR of the image capture unit 14. Specifically, the MPU 51 captures an image from the image capture unit 14 (S505) and determines whether the captured image contains an information code (S506). If it is determined that the captured image contains an information code (S507: YES), the MPU 51 performs processing to enable (S508) a trigger function (hereinafter also referred to as a software trigger function) related to the trigger icon 42. Thereafter, the MPU 51 terminates the processing for the second reading mode. On the other hand, if it is determined that the captured image does not contain an information code (S507: NO), the MPU 51 performs processing to disable (S509) the software trigger function. Thereafter, the MPU 51 terminates the processing for the second reading mode.

[0129] That is, when no number is input and the trigger icon 42 (i.e., operation detection area DA1) and the key icon 47 (i.e., operation detection area DA2) overlap, it is periodically determined whether an information code is located in the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14. Then, the software trigger function is switched between enabled and disabled depending on whether or not an information code is present.

[0130] On the other hand, if it is determined that the trigger icon 42 (i.e., the operation detection area DA1) and the key icon 47 (i.e., the operation detection area DA2) do not overlap (S702: NO), the MPU 51 performs processing to enable the software trigger function (S508). Thereafter, the MPU 51 ends the processing for the second reading mode. In other words, if the trigger icon 42 (i.e., the operation detection area DA1) and the key icon 47 (i.e., the operation detection area DA2) do not overlap, the software trigger function is enabled regardless of whether the information code is located in the imaging range IR of the imaging unit 14.

[0131] As shown in this embodiment, when all of the following conditions are met: the reading mode is the second reading mode, the user is not currently inputting a number, and the trigger icon 42 (i.e., the operation detection area DA1) and the key icon 47 (i.e., the operation detection area DA2) do not overlap, the image is captured and the presence or absence of an information code is determined. This reduces the processing load on the MPU 51 and contributes to improving the responsiveness of the reading terminal 10.

[0132] Sixth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the software trigger function is enabled / disabled depending on the usage status of the reading terminal 10. This prevents one of the trigger icon 42 and the key icon 47 from interfering with the operation of the other. In this embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the trigger icon 42 and the key icon 47 can be prevented from interfering with the operation of the other. However, the configuration that achieves this effect (i.e., the processing in the control unit) differs from that of the fourth embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, the processes for enabling or disabling the software trigger function (i.e., the processes in S504 to S509) in the second reading mode processing of the fourth embodiment are omitted. In addition, part of the tap operation processing is changed. Below, the tap operation processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21.

[0133] (Tap Operation Processing) In the tap operation processing, the MPU 51 first determines whether the user is manually inputting information using the software keyboard (S801). The information may be an identification number (e.g., a product number or a serial number). If it is determined that the user is not inputting a number (S801: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 overlaps with the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47 on the software keyboard 46 (S802).

[0134] As described above, the user can arbitrarily change the arrangement of the trigger icon 42 in the reading terminal 10. Position information (i.e., customization information) indicating the arrangement of the trigger icon 42 is stored in the memory 52. ​​In S802, the MPU 51 determines whether the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47 overlap, based on information (i.e., detection information) from the input unit 32 of the display device 11 and the position information of the trigger icon 42 stored in the memory 52.

[0135] If it is determined that the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47 overlap (S803: YES), the MPU 51 determines whether the portion where the tap operation is detected is located in the overlapping area DAX (S804). If it is determined that the portion where the tap operation is detected is not located in the overlapping area DAX (S804: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether the tap operation is detected in the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 (S805). In other words, it is determined whether a software trigger operation has been performed.

[0136] If it is determined that the software trigger has been operated (S805: YES), the MPU 51 captures an image captured by the imaging unit 14 (S806). The MPU 51 then reads (i.e., decodes) the information code from the captured image (S807). The result of the information code reading (e.g., an identification number such as a product number or serial number) is displayed in the box 45 on the display surface 35.

[0137] If it is determined that the software trigger has not been operated (S805: NO), or if it is determined in S801 that the user is inputting numbers, the MPU 51 determines whether the key icons 47 and 49 included in the software keyboards 46 and 48 have been operated (i.e., key operation) (S808). That is, the MPU 51 determines whether a tap operation has been detected in the operation detection areas DA2 and DA3 of the key icons 47 and 49 based on information (i.e., detection information) from the input unit 32 of the display device 11 and the position information of the key icons 47 and 49 stored in the memory 52. ​​That is, it determines whether the key icons 47 and 49 have been operated. If it is determined that the key icons 47 and 49 have been operated (S808: YES), the MPU 51 performs key operation processing (S809) and ends the tap operation processing.

[0138] If it is determined that none of the trigger icon 42 and the key icons 47 and 49 has been operated (S808: NO), the MPU 51 determines whether an operation to end the reading mode has been performed (S810). That is, the MPU 51 determines whether a tap operation has been detected in the operation detection area of ​​the application end icon based on information from the input unit 32 of the display device 11. If it is determined that an operation of the application end icon has been performed (S810: YES), the MPU 51 performs processing for ending the reading mode (S811) and ends the tap operation processing.

[0139] The key operation process in S809 and the read mode termination process in S811 are substantially the same as the processes in S605 and S607 (see FIG. 18) described above.

[0140] Returning to S804, if it is determined that the portion where the tap operation was detected is located in the overlapping area DAX (S804: YES), the MPU 51 captures an image captured by the imaging unit 14 (S812). The MPU 51 determines whether the captured image contains an information code (S813). If it is determined that the captured image contains an information code (S814: YES), the MPU 51 performs the information code reading process (i.e., decoding process) in S807 and ends the tap operation process. If it is determined that the captured image does not contain an information code (S814: NO), the MPU 51 performs the key operation process in S809 and ends the tap operation process.

[0141] Returning to S803, if it is determined that the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA2 of the key icon 47 do not overlap (S803: NO), the MPU 51 performs the processes of S805 to S811 and ends the tap operation process. In other words, if the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 and the operation detection area DA2 of the software keyboard 46 (i.e., the key icon 47) do not overlap, no branch occurs depending on the presence or absence of an information code.

[0142] Here, with reference to FIG. 22, the relationship between the position where the tap operation is detected in the second reading mode and the process performed based on the tap operation will be described.

[0143] First, a case where a number is not entered using the software keyboard 46 will be described. If the position where a tap operation is detected is an area other than the overlapping area DAX, processing according to the detected area is performed. Specifically, if a tap operation is detected in the operation detection area DA1 (excluding the overlapping area DAX) of the trigger icon 42, information code decoding processing is performed. If a tap operation is detected in the operation detection area DA2 (excluding the overlapping area DAX) of the key icon 47, key input processing is performed. On the other hand, if the position where the tap operation is detected is the overlapping area DAX, the MPU 51 captures an image from the imaging unit 14 and determines whether the captured image contains an information code. Processing is performed depending on whether or not an information code is present. Specifically, if it is determined that the captured image contains an information code, decoding processing is performed. If the captured image does not contain an information code, key input processing is performed.

[0144] Next, a case where a number is being input using the software keyboard 46 will be described. Since the software trigger function is disabled while a number is being input, operation in the operation detection area DA1 (i.e., the overlapping area DAX) is invalid. Therefore, when the overlapping area DAX is operated, the presence or absence of an information code is not determined, and processing for operating the key icon 47 is performed. That is, when a tap operation is detected in the operation detection area DA1 (excluding the overlapping area DAX) of the trigger icon 42, the tap operation is invalid. Therefore, information code decoding processing is not performed. On the other hand, when a tap operation is detected in the operation detection area DA2 (excluding the overlapping area DAX) of the key icon 47, key input processing is performed. Key input processing is also performed when the position where the tap operation is detected is in the overlapping area DAX.

[0145] According to the sixth embodiment described above, it is possible to prevent the trigger icon 42 from interfering with the input of an identification number or the like using the software keyboard 46. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations of the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboard 46, thereby contributing to improving the operability of the reading terminal 10.

[0146] <Other Embodiments> Note that the embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the embodiments according to the present disclosure may be the embodiments described below. Note that each configuration described below may be applied individually to each of the above-described embodiments, or a combination of some or all of them may be applied to each of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, all or some of the various configurations of each of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, each configuration described below may be applied individually to a combination of the configurations of each of the above-described embodiments, or a combination of some or all of them may be applied.

[0147] (1) In each of the above embodiments, after the specific area SA is expanded, the specific area SA is reduced if the swipe direction and slide amount deviate from expectations. That is, the specific area SA is returned to its original state (i.e., the first state). Alternatively or in addition to this, after the specific area SA is expanded, the specific area SA may be reduced when a predetermined time has elapsed since the expansion timing. That is, the specific area SA may be returned to its original state.

[0148] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the specific area SA of the second aspect includes the specific area SA of the first aspect, and the valid area for trigger operation is expanded. However, the specific area SA of the second aspect does not have to include the specific area SA of the first aspect. For example, the valid area for trigger operation may be changed by temporarily moving the valid area for trigger operation in response to finger movement.

[0149] (3) In each of the above embodiments, when the specific area SA is enlarged, the entire linear specific area SA is enlarged in a specific direction (for example, the horizontal direction). However, a portion of the specific area SA (specifically, the area where the finger contact is detected and its surroundings) may be enlarged in the specific direction, while other portions may not be enlarged. In other words, the enlargement of the specific area SA in the specific direction may be limited to a portion.

[0150] (4) In each of the above embodiments, the trigger icon 42 can be arranged in an area where the app icon 41 can be arranged. The trigger icon 42 has a linear shape. As a result, even if the trigger icon 42 displayed in the foreground is arranged in a position where it partially overlaps the app icon 41, the app icon 41 is unlikely to be entirely obscured by the trigger icon 42. However, as long as the app icon 41 located behind the trigger icon 42 can be operated (e.g., tapped), the shape of the trigger icon 42 is arbitrary. Note that the size (or length) of the trigger icon 42 can affect the operability of the trigger operation. Therefore, having the trigger icon 42 have a linear shape extending along the outer edge 36 of the display surface 35 makes it possible to display a trigger icon 42 of a certain size while allowing the trigger icon 42 and the app icon 41 to coexist.

[0151] (5) The swipe direction (i.e., the specific direction), which is a condition for starting reading of the information code 61, is not limited to a direction from the outer edge side to the center side of the display surface 35. Alternatively or additionally, the specific direction may be a direction along the outer edge 36 (linear trigger icon 42) of the display surface 35. That is, the user moves the finger that has touched the trigger icon 42 vertically along the trigger icon 42. That is, the user performs a swipe operation while maintaining the touch state. In this case, reading of the information code 61 may be started when the sliding amount exceeds a threshold.

[0152] (6) In each of the above embodiments, the position and size of the specific area SA in the first aspect coincide with those of the trigger icon 42. Specifically, these coincide when viewed from the front of the display surface 35. However, these do not necessarily have to coincide. For example, the specific area SA in the first aspect may be enlarged at least either above or below the trigger icon 42. In other words, the trigger icon 42 (i.e., the trigger image) may overlap a portion of the vertically long specific area SA.

[0153] (7) In each of the above embodiments, the display position (i.e., standby position) of the trigger icon 42 can be selected from a position closer to the left edge 36aL and a position closer to the right edge 36aR of the display surface 35. However, the customization function for the position of the trigger icon 42 may be implemented as follows. That is, instead of or in addition to the configurations described in each of the above embodiments, the vertical position of the trigger icon 42 may be changeable, or the length of the trigger icon 42 may be changeable. Note that the vertical width of the trigger icon 42 is preferably equal to or greater than that of the read button 15. Furthermore, it is difficult for a user to recognize the position of the virtual trigger icon 42 displayed on the display surface 35 by touch. Therefore, it is preferable that the trigger icon 42 be positioned so that at least a portion of the trigger icon 42 is located to the side of the read button 15 when viewed from the front of the reading terminal 10. That is, the position of the trigger icon 42 is limited based on the position of the read button 15, which can be identified by touch. This allows the user to recognize the approximate position of the trigger icon 42.

[0154] Note that the following configuration may be adopted to enable the user to recognize the position of the trigger icon 42 from the feel of the hand holding the reading terminal 10. For example, a landmark such as a bump or the like may be formed on the left side surface 23, the right side surface 24, the left frame 28aL, and the right frame 28aR. The display position or size of the trigger icon 42 may be set so that at least a part of the trigger icon 42 is located to the side of the landmark.

[0155] (8) In each of the above embodiments, even when a user performs a swipe operation starting from the specific area SA of the first aspect, if the sliding amount of the swipe operation exceeds the second threshold X2, the swipe operation is determined to be a screen operation (i.e., an operation for switching screens). However, when a user performs a swipe operation starting from the specific area SA of the first aspect, reading of the information code 61 may be started when the sliding amount of the swipe operation exceeds a specific threshold that is smaller than the second threshold X2. Note that reading of the information code 61 is started regardless of the total sliding amount and whether the finger stops or touch ends.

[0156] (9) In each of the above embodiments, the trigger operation of the trigger icon 42 is two types of operations: a tap operation and a swipe operation. However, the trigger operation is not necessarily limited to these. The trigger operation may be only one of these two types of operations.

[0157] (10) In each of the above embodiments, when the software trigger function (i.e., the support function) is enabled, the trigger icon 42 is displayed on the display surface 35, and trigger operation of the trigger icon 42 is permitted. That is, the function related to the trigger icon 42 can be switched between enabled and disabled. However, the trigger icon 42 may be constantly displayed on the display surface 35. That is, the user may be able to perform trigger operation of the trigger icon 42 at any timing without switching modes, etc.

[0158] (11) In each of the above embodiments, the slide amount of the swipe operation detected as the trigger operation of the trigger icon 42 is larger than the stroke amount of the operation of the read button 15. However, the slide amount is not limited to this. The slide amount of the swipe operation detected as the trigger operation of the trigger icon 42 may be smaller than or equal to the stroke amount of the operation of the read button 15.

[0159] (12) In the second embodiment, when the contact portion CP slopes upward toward the edge, a tap operation on the application icon 41 is detected. In other words, when the contact portion CP slopes downward toward the center, a tap operation on the trigger icon 42 is not detected. However, the detection of a tap operation is not limited to this. For example, a user may hold the reading terminal 10 in their left hand and tap the trigger icon 42 located at the right end of the display surface 35 with the index finger or middle finger of their left hand. In this case, the contact portion CP may slope downward toward the center of the display surface 35. Taking such an operation into consideration, a tap operation on the trigger icon 42 may be detected when the contact portion CP slopes downward toward the center. In other words, when the shape of the contact portion CP is an ellipse or other shape from which a direction can be derived, a tap operation on the trigger icon 42 is detected. On the other hand, when the shape of the contact portion CP is a circle or other shape from which a direction is difficult to derive, a tap operation on the trigger icon 42 is not detected. That is, a tap operation on the application icon 41 is detected.

[0160] (13) In the third embodiment, the user can perform a swipe operation by moving a finger across the trigger icon 42. When such a finger movement is detected, the information code 61 may be read.

[0161] (14) In the third embodiment, when a software trigger is enabled, the sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 33 is increased in the portion of the display surface 35 closer to the left edge 36aL or the right edge 36aR. This makes it possible to detect a touch on the left frame portion 28aL or the right frame portion 28aR of the bezel 28. However, the sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 33 may be set in advance to be higher at the left and right ends of the display surface 35 than at other portions so that a touch can always be detected on the left frame portion 28aL or the right frame portion 28aR.

[0162] In the third embodiment, since touches are detected also outside the display surface 35, for example, the left and right edges of the input unit 32 may protrude outward beyond the left and right edges of the display unit 31. In other words, the size (i.e., width) of the input unit 32 may be different from the size of the display surface 35.

[0163] (15) In each of the above embodiments, reading (i.e., decoding) of the information code 61 is started when a trigger operation of the trigger icon 42 is detected. However, this may be modified as follows. That is, by setting the sensitivity of the capacitance sensor 33 high, the approach of a finger may be detected before the finger touches the display surface 35 (i.e., at a position away from the display surface 35). Then, decoding may be started in advance in response to the detection of the approach of a finger before the trigger operation of the trigger icon 42 is performed.

[0164] (16) In each of the above embodiments, the trigger icon 42 does not have to be displayed on the display surface 35 even when the user selects a mode that uses a software trigger. For example, the reading terminal 10 may not have a display function for the trigger icon 42. As a result, the reading terminal 10 does not display the trigger icon 42 in that mode. Furthermore, the reading terminal 10 may be able to switch between displaying and hiding the trigger icon 42 in that mode. In this case, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the valid area for trigger operation (e.g., the position of the valid area). Therefore, it is preferable that the total length (i.e., vertical width) of the valid area for trigger operation (e.g., the position of the valid area) be the entire area or substantially the entire area from the top to the bottom of the display surface 35.

[0165] (17) In the fourth to sixth embodiments, tapping of the trigger icon 42 is not permitted during the reading mode. This temporarily disables the software trigger function. However, the configuration for temporarily disabling the software trigger function during the reading mode may be changed arbitrarily. For example, while operation of the trigger icon 42 may be permitted, reading processing (i.e., decoding processing) of the information code may not be permitted. This may disable the software trigger function.

[0166] (18) The enabled / disabled state of the software trigger function may be indicated to the user of the reading terminal 10. For example, the display mode of the trigger icon 42 when the software trigger function is enabled may be different from the display mode of the trigger icon 42 when the software trigger function is disabled.

[0167] Specifically, when the software trigger function is enabled, the trigger icon 42 is displayed in front of the key icon 47. When the software trigger function is disabled, the trigger icon 42 is displayed behind the key icon 47. That is, the front-to-back relationship of the trigger icon 42 and the key icon 47 may be reversed. Furthermore, when the software trigger function is enabled, the trigger icon 42 may be opaque. When the software trigger function is disabled, the trigger icon 42 may be semi-transparent. That is, the transparency of the trigger icon 42 may change.

[0168] (19) In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the software trigger function is enabled / disabled depending on whether an information code is included in the image captured by the imaging unit 14. However, the presence or absence of an information code is not necessarily required to automatically enable / disable the software trigger function depending on the usage status of the reading terminal 10. For example, the software function may be enabled / disabled depending on whether an item with an information code is included in the captured image. That is, if the captured image includes an item with an information code, the software trigger function is enabled. On the other hand, if the captured image does not include an item with an information code, the software trigger function is disabled.

[0169] Whether the trigger icon 42 or the software keyboard 46 is to be operated is determined based on the captured image. Machine learning and AI (Artificial Intelligence) may be used for this determination. Furthermore, other information may be used instead of or in addition to the captured image to determine whether the trigger icon 42 or the software keyboard 46 is to be operated. For example, the other information may be information from a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor mounted on the reading terminal 10 (i.e., information indicating the attitude or movement of the reading terminal 10).

[0170] The configuration of (19) may be applied to the sixth embodiment.

[0171] (20) In the fourth to sixth embodiments, when the software trigger function is disabled in the read mode, the reading process (i.e., the decoding process) of the information code based on the operation of the trigger icon 42 is not permitted. On the other hand, the reading process (i.e., the decoding process) of the information code based on the operation of the read button 15 (i.e., the physical trigger) is permitted. However, the configurations of the fourth to sixth embodiments are not limited to this. When the software trigger function is disabled, neither the reading process (i.e., the decoding process) of the information code based on the operation of the trigger icon 42 nor the reading process (i.e., the decoding process) of the information code based on the operation of the read button 15 (i.e., the physical trigger) may be permitted.

[0172] (21) In the fourth to sixth embodiments, in the read mode, the software trigger function is deactivated while numbers are being entered using the software keyboards 46 and 48. In other words, the software trigger function is disabled. However, the configurations of the fourth to sixth embodiments are not limited to this. The software trigger function may be activated while numbers are being entered using the software keyboards 46 and 48. Note that, in order for the software trigger function to be activated while numbers are being entered, if a tap operation is detected in the overlapping area DAX, the tap operation is preferably used as a key operation. In other words, it is preferable that key operation takes priority over trigger operation. In other words, if a tap operation is detected in the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42 excluding the overlapping area DAX, a reading process (i.e., a decoding process) of the information code is performed. On the other hand, if a tap operation is detected in the overlapping area DAX, the tap operation is used as a key operation.

[0173] (22) In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the software trigger function is enabled / disabled depending on whether an information code is included in the image captured in the second reading mode. However, this configuration may also be applied to the third reading mode. In the third reading mode, the trigger icon 42 and the software keyboard 48 are close to each other but do not overlap. Even in this positional relationship, touch operation errors can be easily reduced by enabling / disabling the software trigger function.

[0174] (23) The information code reading application optionally has a camera preview function that displays an image being captured. In the case of an information code reading application that does not have a camera preview function, when a user taps the software trigger, a marker that guides the image capture is illuminated. The user aims at the information code using the illuminated marker. In the fifth embodiment, the software trigger function is not disabled if the trigger icon 42 and the key icon 47 do not overlap. Considering the above user procedure, it is preferable to apply the configuration according to the fifth embodiment to an information code reading application that does not have a camera preview function.

[0175] (24) In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the software trigger function is enabled when the captured image contains the entire information code. However, the configurations of the fourth and fifth embodiments are not limited to this. The software trigger function may be enabled when the captured image contains at least a part of the information code.

[0176] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, when a tap operation is detected in the overlapping area DAX and the entire information code is included in the captured image, the tap operation is deemed to be a trigger operation. When the entire information code is not included in the captured image, the tap operation is deemed to be a key operation. However, the configuration according to the sixth embodiment is not limited to this. When it is determined that the captured image includes at least a part of the information code, the tap operation may be deemed to be a trigger operation. When it is determined that the captured image does not include any information code, the tap operation may be deemed to be a key operation.

[0177] (25) In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the reading modes include the first reading mode, the second reading mode, and the third reading mode. However, the configurations of the fourth to sixth embodiments are not limited to this. Some modes may be omitted. For example, the first reading mode may be omitted, and the software keyboard may be always displayed on the display surface 35 during the reading mode.

[0178] (26) In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the software keyboard is displayed when the reading of the information code fails consecutively or when the user taps the box 45. However, the conditions for displaying the software keyboard may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the software keyboard may be displayed when the reading of the information code fails once. The software keyboard may be displayed when a defect (e.g., a missing part) in the information code is detected. The software keyboard may be displayed when the code reading application is launched.

[0179] (27) In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the shape of the trigger icon 42 is linear (e.g., bar-shaped). However, the shape of the trigger icon 42 is arbitrary. For example, the shape of the trigger icon 42 may be circular or rectangular.

[0180] (28) In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the layout of the trigger icon 42 can be changed. However, such a customization function may be omitted.

[0181] (29) In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the display area of ​​the trigger icon 42 coincides with the operation detection area DA1 of the trigger icon 42. However, the operation detection area DA1 may be slightly larger than the trigger icon 42. The trigger icon 42 may be included in the operation detection area DA1.

[0182] (30) The read button 15, which is a physical trigger, may be omitted.

[0183] (31) When reading the information code, it is optional whether the image captured by the imaging unit 14 is displayed on the display surface 35 of the display device 11.

[0184] (32) In each of the above embodiments, the display device 11 includes the input unit 32 that uses the capacitance sensor 33. However, the method for detecting a touch operation (i.e., a touch position) is not limited to the capacitance method. For example, a resistive film method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, or an infrared method may be used.

[0185] (33) In each of the above embodiments, the reading terminal 10 includes the reading button 15 as a physical trigger. However, the reading button 15 may be omitted.

[0186] <Features Extracted from the Above-described Embodiments> Features extracted from the above-described embodiments will be described below, while indicating, as necessary, effects, etc. Note that, for ease of understanding, the following will appropriately indicate corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiments in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0187] (Feature 1) A portable reading terminal (reading terminal 10) has an imaging unit (imaging unit 14) and is capable of optically reading an information code (information code 61) located in an imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit, the reading terminal comprising: a touch panel display device (display device 11) having a display surface (display surface 35) and capable of displaying a trigger image (trigger icon 42) on the display surface; and a control unit (MPU 51 of control board 12) that starts the reading when a specific touch operation (trigger operation) is detected in a specific operation effective area (specific area SA) on the display surface under a condition where the trigger image is displayed on the display surface, wherein the specific operation effective area includes a position where the trigger image is displayed.

[0188] (Another feature 1) A portable reading terminal (reading terminal 10) has an imaging unit (imaging unit 14) and is capable of optically reading an information code (information code 61) located in an imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit, the reading terminal comprising: a touch panel display device (display device 11) having a display surface (display surface 35) and capable of displaying a trigger icon (trigger icon 42) on the display surface; and a control unit (MPU 51 of control board 12) that starts the reading when a specific touch operation (trigger operation) on the trigger icon is detected under a situation where the trigger icon is displayed on the display surface.

[0189] (Feature 2) The trigger image can be displayed at a position close to a predetermined edge (left edge 36aL or right edge 36aR) on the display surface, and the reading terminal detects, as the specific touch operation, an operation of a finger touching the display surface and sliding along the display surface from the predetermined edge side to the center side of the display surface under a situation where the trigger image is displayed at a position close to the predetermined edge.

[0190] (Feature 3) The trigger image can be displayed at a position close to a predetermined edge (left edge 36aL or right edge 36aR) on the display surface, and the reading terminal according to Feature 1 or Feature 2 detects, in a situation where the trigger image is displayed at a position close to the predetermined edge, an operation of a finger touching the trigger image and sliding along the display surface from the predetermined edge side to the center side of the display surface as the specific touch operation, when the trigger image is displayed at a position close to the predetermined edge.

[0191] (Feature 4) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 3, wherein, under a situation where the trigger image is displayed at a position close to the predetermined edge, the reading terminal detects, as the specific touch operation, an operation in which a finger touching the trigger image slides along the display surface from the predetermined edge side toward the center side of the display surface, and the length of the slide is longer than a predetermined distance (threshold value).

[0192] This feature can prevent the reading of information codes from being initiated when a finger unintentionally touches the display surface. Here, the operation of a physical trigger is detected by pressing the physical trigger to a certain extent. By making the operability of such a physical trigger similar to that of a software trigger, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort felt when performing a specific touch operation.

[0193] (Feature 5) The reading terminal according to Feature 4, wherein the reading terminal detects the sliding operation as the specific touch operation when a finger touching the trigger image slides along the display surface toward the center of the display surface and the sliding distance reaches the predetermined distance.

[0194] According to this feature, when the distance of sliding the finger toward the center of the display surface reaches a predetermined distance, reading of the information code begins. In this way, since there is no need to remove the finger from the display surface or stop it on the display surface, reading of the information code can be performed quickly.

[0195] (Feature 6) The reading terminal according to Feature 4, wherein the predetermined distance is a first distance, and when the sliding distance exceeds a second distance that is longer than the first distance, the reading of the information code is not performed.

[0196] According to this feature, the information code is not read when the sliding distance exceeds the second distance. This allows, for example, different processing to be performed when the sliding distance exceeds the first distance and when the sliding distance exceeds the second distance. This is preferable for realizing multi-functionality of the reading terminal.

[0197] Note that an operation in which the sliding distance exceeds the second distance may be detected as, for example, a display screen switching operation.

[0198] (Feature 7) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 2 to 6, wherein the size of the specific operation effective area is switchable between a first size and a second size larger than the first size, and the reading terminal includes a means for switching the size of the specific operation effective area from the first size to the second size during the specific touch operation.

[0199] (Feature 8) The reading terminal according to Feature 7, wherein the size of the specific operation effective area is switched from the first size to the second size, thereby expanding the specific operation effective area toward the center of the display surface.

[0200] When a specific touch operation is a finger slide from a predetermined edge side to the center side, the specific effective operation area is expanded toward the center side of the display surface, thereby making it possible to easily prevent detection errors.

[0201] (Feature 9) The reading terminal according to Feature 7 or Feature 8, further comprising a means for switching the size of the specific effective operation area from the first size to the second size when finger movement from the predetermined edge side to the center side is detected in the specific effective operation area under a situation where the size of the specific effective operation area is the first size.

[0202] (Feature 10) The reading terminal, in a situation where the size of the specific effective operation area is the first size, switches the size of the specific effective operation area from the first size to the second size when a finger slides from the predetermined edge side to the center side in the specific effective operation area and the sliding distance reaches a switching reference distance, detects as the specific touch operation an operation where a finger touching the display surface slides from the predetermined edge side to the center side of the display surface along the display surface and the sliding distance is longer than a predetermined distance (threshold value) in a situation where the trigger image is displayed at a position closer to the predetermined edge, and the reading terminal described in any one of Features 7 to 9, wherein the difference between the predetermined distance and the switching reference distance is longer than the switching reference distance.

[0203] According to this feature, the default first size is relatively small. This makes it less likely to interfere with the operation of the application icon described above. In situations where a specific touch operation is expected, the effective area for the specific operation is expanded by switching to the second size. This makes it possible to switch to a size suitable for the expected operation. In particular, since the difference between the predetermined distance and the switching reference distance is longer than the switching reference distance, it becomes easier for the trigger icon and the application icon to coexist. This is effective in realizing multi-functionality in the reading terminal.

[0204] (Feature 11) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 7 to 10, further comprising: means for switching the size of the specific operation valid area from the second size to the first size when the specific touch operation is detected under a situation where the size of the specific operation valid area is the second size.

[0205] (Feature 12) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 7 to 11, further comprising: means for switching the size of the specific operation valid area from the second size to the first size when an operation different from the specific touch operation is detected under a situation where the size of the specific operation valid area is the second size.

[0206] (Feature 13) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 2 to 12, wherein an application icon (app icon 41) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and when a touch operation spanning both the specific operation valid area and the application icon is performed under a condition where the size of the specific operation valid area is the first size, the reading terminal disables the touch operation on the application icon.

[0207] (Another Feature 13) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 2 to 12, wherein an application icon (app icon 41) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and when a touch operation spanning both the specific operation valid area and the application icon is performed under a situation where the size of the specific operation valid area is the first size, if the touch operation is determined to be part of the process of the specific touch operation, the reading terminal disables the touch operation on the application icon.

[0208] (Feature 15) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 14, wherein the trigger image has a linear shape extending along a predetermined edge (left edge 36aL or right edge 36aR) on the display surface, and the reading terminal detects a tap operation of tapping the trigger image as the specific touch operation (trigger operation).

[0209] (Feature 16) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 2 to 12, wherein an application icon (app icon 41) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and when a tap operation spanning both the specific operation valid area and the application icon is performed, the reading terminal detects the tap operation as the specific touch operation.

[0210] Since the application icon and the trigger image coexist on the display surface, the distance between the specific operation effective area and the application icon may be small. That is, the user's finger may touch the application icon when performing a tap operation on the trigger image. In particular, when reading the information code, the user's line of sight is likely to be directed toward the information code. That is, the user's line of sight is not necessarily directed toward the trigger image. The user may perform a blind operation. Therefore, compared to when the user performs a tap operation on an application icon, an erroneous operation is more likely to occur. Therefore, when a tap operation straddles the specific operation effective area and the application icon, the tap operation is detected as a specific touch operation, and the tap operation on the application icon is disabled. This allows for a practically preferable configuration to be realized.

[0211] (Feature 17) The reading terminal according to Feature 16, when the tap operation is performed in the specific operation effective area, identifies a contact area touched by a finger during the tap operation, and determines whether the tap operation is the specific touch operation based on a shape of the identified contact area.

[0212] (Feature 18) The reading terminal according to Feature 16, wherein when the tap operation is performed in the specific operation effective area, the reading terminal identifies a contact area touched by a finger in the tap operation, and detects the tap operation as the specific touch operation when the inclination of the contact area is an upward inclination from the specified edge side toward the center side of the display surface.

[0213] In the case of a specific touch operation using a thumb, the inclination of the contact area tends to be upward from the predetermined edge toward the center of the display surface, so that when the inclination of the contact area is upward from the predetermined edge toward the center of the display surface, the operation is detected as a specific touch operation.

[0214] (Feature 19) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 18, wherein the reading terminal includes a housing (housing 13) that houses the display device and the control unit, the housing includes an opening (opening 27) that exposes the display surface, and the specific effective operation area spans at least the predetermined edge and the outside of the opening.

[0215] According to this feature, the specific effective operation area spans the edge of the display surface and the outside of the opening (e.g., a frame surrounding the display surface). This allows trigger icons and application icons to coexist on the display surface in a favorable manner. For example, when a tap operation is performed as in feature 15, the specific effective operation area is wide, which reduces operation errors. When the size of the specific effective operation area is switched from the first size to a second size as in feature 7, the switch to the second size is optimized.

[0216] (Feature 20) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 19, wherein the reading terminal comprises a housing (housing 13) that houses the display device and the control unit, a front portion (front portion 21) of the housing comprises an opening (opening 27) that exposes the display surface, a side portion (left side portion 23 or right side portion 24) of the housing has an operation button (read button 15) that is a physical trigger operated by a user, the control unit starts reading the information code when operation of the operation button is detected, and the trigger image is displayed at a position close to a predetermined edge of the display surface that is the edge where the operation button is located.

[0217] According to this feature, a trigger image is displayed near the operation button, which is a physical trigger. This allows the user to operate the operation button and perform a specific touch operation by holding the reading terminal in the same way. Here, depending on the size or shape of the user's hand, it may be difficult for the user to operate the operation button. However, the operation function using the trigger image can support the user. This prevents a decrease in work efficiency using the operation terminal due to physical characteristics.

[0218] (Feature 21) The reading terminal according to Feature 20, wherein the trigger image and the specific operation effective area are larger than the operated portion of the operation button when viewed from the front of the reading terminal.

[0219] According to this feature, the trigger image and the specific operation effective area are larger than the operated portion of the operation button when viewed from the front of the reading terminal, which allows the support function of feature 20 to function effectively.

[0220] (Feature 22) The reading terminal according to Feature 20 or Feature 21, which detects, as the specific touch operation, an operation in which a finger touching the display surface slides in the same direction as the pressing direction of the operation button, under a situation in which the trigger image is displayed at a position close to the predetermined edge.

[0221] This feature allows the user to intuitively associate the operation of the operation button with a specific touch operation, which allows the user to intuitively understand the support function and reduces the user's sense of discomfort regarding the support function.

[0222] (Feature 23) The reading terminal comprises a housing (housing 13) that houses the display device and the control unit, a front portion (front portion 21) of the housing comprises an opening (opening 27) that exposes the display surface, the trigger image is displayed at a position near a predetermined edge portion (e.g., left edge portion 36aL) on the display surface, and a concave or convex object is formed in a portion of the housing near the display position of the trigger image. The reading terminal is described in any one of Features 1 to 22.

[0223] When reading an information code, the user's gaze tends to be directed toward the information code. However, the user's gaze does not necessarily turn toward the trigger image. In other words, the user may perform blind operation. Therefore, a concave or convex object that indicates the location of the trigger image is formed in the vicinity of the display position of the trigger image on the housing. This makes it easier for the user to estimate the location of the trigger image from the feel of the hand holding the reading terminal. This reduces operational errors in certain touch operations and contributes to improving work efficiency.

[0224] (Feature 24) A portable reading terminal (reading terminal 10) has an imaging unit (imaging unit 14) and is capable of optically reading an information code (information code 61) located in an imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit, the reading terminal comprising: a touch panel type display device (display device 11) having a display surface (display surface 35); and a control unit (MPU 51 of control board 12) that starts the reading when a specific touch operation (trigger operation) is detected in a specific effective operation area (specific area SA) on the display surface.

[0225] (Feature 25) A reading program applied to a portable reading terminal (reading terminal 10) having a touch panel display device (display device 11) and an imaging unit (imaging unit 14), and capable of optically reading an information code (information code 61) located in an imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit, the reading program displays a trigger image (trigger icon 42) on a display surface (display surface 35) of the display device, determines whether a specific touch operation has been performed in a specific operation effective area (specific area SA) that includes the display position of the trigger image on the display surface while the trigger image is displayed on the display surface, and starts the reading when it is determined that the specific touch operation has been performed.

[0226] (Another feature 25) A reading program applied to a portable reading terminal (reading terminal 10) having a touch panel display device (display device 11) and an imaging unit (imaging unit 14), and capable of optically reading an information code (information code 61) located in an imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit, the reading program determining whether a specific touch operation has been performed in a specific operation effective area (specific area SA) on the display surface, and starting the reading when it is determined that the specific touch operation has been performed.

[0227] (Feature 26) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 24, wherein reading modes (second reading mode and third reading mode) are provided in which the information code is read, and in the reading modes, a keyboard image (software keyboards 46 and 48) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually input by touching (tapping or flicking) key images (key icons 47 and 49) included in the keyboard image, and the control unit has a determination unit (a function of performing processing of S506 and S507 in MPU 51) that determines whether the usage situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation (for example, a situation in which the reading terminal is facing an information code 61) when the reading mode is set, and allows reading (decoding) of the information code based on the specific touch operation when it is determined that the usage situation is the specific situation, and does not allow reading of the information code based on the specific touch operation when it is determined that the usage situation is not the specific situation.

[0228] In addition, not allowing the reading of the information code based on the specific touch operation includes not detecting the specific touch operation, disabling the specific touch operation, and not performing or disabling the information code reading process.

[0229] (Feature 27) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 24, wherein reading modes (second reading mode and third reading mode) are provided in which the information code is read, and in the reading modes, a keyboard image (software keyboards 46 and 48) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually input by touching (tapping or flicking) key images (key icons 47 and 49) included in the keyboard image, and the control unit has a determination unit (a function of performing processing of S813 and S814 in MPU 51) that determines, when the reading mode is set, whether the usage situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation (for example, a situation in which the reading terminal is facing an information code 61) based on an image captured by the imaging unit, and allows reading (decoding) of the information code based on the specific touch operation if it is determined that the usage situation is the specific situation, and does not allow reading of the information code based on the specific touch operation if it is determined that the usage situation is not the specific situation.

[0230] (Feature 28) A reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 24, wherein reading modes (second reading mode and third reading mode) for reading the information code are provided, wherein in the reading modes, a keyboard image (software keyboards 46 and 48) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually input by touching (tapping or flicking) key images (key icons 47 and 49) included in the keyboard image, wherein the control unit has a determination unit (a function for performing processing of S813 and S814 in MPU 51) for determining whether the reading terminal is in a specific situation when the reading mode is set, and when it is determined that the reading terminal is in the specific situation, allows reading (decoding) of the information code based on the specific touch operation, and when it is determined that the reading terminal is not in the specific situation, does not allow reading of the information code based on the specific touch operation, and wherein the specific situation is a situation in which the information code is located within an imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit.

[0231] (Feature 29) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 26 to 28, wherein the trigger image and the key image are adjacent to each other or partially overlap each other.

[0232] According to this feature, the trigger image and the keyboard image can coexist favorably on the display surface.

[0233] (Feature 30) In the reading terminal according to Feature 29, when it is determined that the reading terminal is in the specific situation during the reading mode and the specific touch operation spanning both the specific operation effective area and a predetermined operation effective area (operation detection area DA2) that is the operation effective area corresponding to the key image is detected, the control unit performs a reading process of the information code (e.g., a decoding process of S807) without performing a key input process corresponding to the key image (e.g., a key operation process of S809).

[0234] When a user taps the trigger image to read the information code, the information code is read even if the user's finger is slightly off the trigger image, which prevents unintentional key input.

[0235] (Feature 31) In the reading terminal according to Feature 29 or Feature 30, when it is determined that the reading terminal is not in the specific situation during the reading mode and the specific touch operation spanning both the specific operation effective area and a predetermined operation effective area (operation detection area DA2) that is the operation effective area corresponding to the key image is detected, the control unit performs key input processing corresponding to the key image (e.g., key operation processing in S809) without performing reading processing of the information code (e.g., decoding processing in S807).

[0236] When a user taps a key image to perform a specific operation, the key input process is performed even if the position of the finger is slightly off the key image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the reading process from being performed unintentionally.

[0237] (Feature 32) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 26 to 28, wherein the trigger image is displayed in front of the key image, and the control unit, when reading of the information code is permitted, performs a reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation in an area where the trigger image and the key image overlap, and when reading of the information code is not permitted, performs a key input process (e.g., the key operation process of S809) corresponding to the key image based on the specific touch operation in the area where the trigger image and the key image overlap.

[0238] According to this feature, even when the trigger image is displayed in front of the key image, the trigger image is unlikely to interfere with the operation of the key image.

[0239] Note that the trigger image being displayed in front of the key image may be replaced with the key image being displayed in front of the trigger image. Note that in a reading operation, a trigger operation takes priority over a key operation, and the key operation plays a supplementary role. Therefore, it is preferable that the trigger image be displayed in front.

[0240] (Another Feature 32) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 26 to 28, wherein in the reading mode, the trigger image and the key image are allowed to overlap, and a special area (overlapping area DAX) where the trigger image and the key image overlap is either the specific operation effective area (operation detection area DA1) corresponding to the trigger image or a predetermined operation effective area (operation detection area DA2) that is an operation effective area corresponding to the key image, and wherein the control unit, when the reading mode is set and the specific touch operation is detected in the special area and it is determined that the reading terminal is in the specific situation, performs a reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation (e.g., the decoding process of S807), and when the reading mode is set and the specific touch operation is detected in the special area and it is determined that the reading terminal is not in the specific situation.

[0241] (Feature 33) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 26 to 32, wherein input of the number or the character is started based on the touch operation, and the control unit does not allow the reading of the information code based on the specific touch operation even if the reading terminal is in the specific situation while the input is continuing.

[0242] Even if the terminal device accidentally falls into a specific state while operating the keyboard image (i.e., operating the keys), reading of the information code is not permitted, which prevents the key operation from being interrupted or the user being forced to re-enter the information code.

[0243] (Feature 34) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 26 to 33, wherein the control unit changes a display mode of the trigger image from a normal mode to a special mode when reading of the information code based on the specific touch operation is not permitted.

[0244] According to this feature, it is possible to indicate to the user that reading of the information code is not permitted. For example, in the normal mode, the trigger image may be displayed in front of the key image. In the special mode, the trigger image may be displayed behind the key image. Also, the trigger image may be opaque in the normal mode and translucent in the special mode.

[0245] (Feature 35) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 26 to 33, wherein the control unit does not display the trigger image on the display surface when reading of the information code based on the specific touch operation is not permitted.

[0246] According to this feature, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that reading is not permitted.

[0247] (Feature 36) A reading program applied to a portable reading terminal (reading terminal 10) having a touch panel display device (display device 11) and an imaging unit (imaging unit 14), capable of optically reading an information code (information code 61) located in an imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit, the program causes a display surface (display surface 35) of the display device to display a trigger image (trigger icon 42) and a keyboard image (software keyboard 46), causes a control unit of the reading terminal to perform a reading process (e.g., a decoding process in S807) of the information code based on a touch operation on the trigger image, and to perform a key input process (e.g., a key operation process in S809) corresponding to a key image (key icon 47) included in the keyboard image based on a touch operation on the key image, causes the control unit to determine whether a usage situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation (e.g., a situation in which the reading terminal is facing the information code 61), and if it is determined that the usage situation is the specific situation, allows reading (decoding) of the information code based on the specific touch operation, a reading program that does not permit reading of the information code based on the specific touch operation when it is determined that the usage situation is not the specific situation;

[0248] (Feature 37) A read mode (second read mode) is provided in which the information code is read, and in the read mode, a keyboard image (software keyboard 46) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually input by touching (tapping or flicking) key images (key icons 47) included in the keyboard image, and the trigger image and the key image are allowed to overlap in the read mode, and a special area (overlapping area DAX) where the trigger image and the key image overlap is either the specific operation effective area (operation detection area DA1) corresponding to the trigger image or a predetermined operation effective area (operation detection area DA2) that is the operation effective area corresponding to the key image, and the control unit includes: a determination unit (a function of performing processes of, for example, S813 and S814 in the MPU 51) that determines whether the use situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation (for example, a situation where the reading terminal is facing the information code 61) when the reading mode is set; The reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 24, comprising: a means for performing a reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation (e.g., the decoding process of S807) when the specific touch operation is detected in the special area and it is determined that the usage situation is the specific situation when the reading mode is set; and a means for performing a key input process corresponding to the key image based on the specific touch operation (e.g., the key operation process of S809) when the specific touch operation is detected in the special area and it is determined that the usage situation is not the specific situation when the reading mode is set.

[0249] According to this feature, even if a displayed trigger image and a key image overlap, the trigger image is unlikely to interfere with the operation of the key image, and the key image is unlikely to interfere with the operation of the trigger image, which contributes to improving the operability of the reading terminal.

[0250] (Feature 38) A read mode (second read mode) is provided in which the information code is read, and in the read mode, a keyboard image (software keyboard 46) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually input by touching (tapping or flicking) key images (key icons 47) included in the keyboard image, and the trigger image and the key images are allowed to overlap in the read mode, and a special area (overlapping area DAX) where the trigger image and the key image overlap is either the specific operation effective area (operation detection area DA1) corresponding to the trigger image or a predetermined operation effective area (operation detection area DA2) that is the operation effective area corresponding to the key image, and the control unit includes: a determination unit (a function of performing processes of, for example, S813 and S814 in MPU 51) that determines, when the read mode is set, whether the use situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation (for example, a situation where the reading terminal is facing the information code 61) based on an image captured by the imaging unit; The reading terminal according to any one of Features 1 to 24, comprising: a means for performing a reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation (e.g., the decoding process of S807) when the specific touch operation is detected in the special area and it is determined that the usage situation is the specific situation when the reading mode is set; and a means for performing a key input process corresponding to the key image based on the specific touch operation (e.g., the key operation process of S809) when the specific touch operation is detected in the special area and it is determined that the usage situation is not the specific situation when the reading mode is set.

[0251] (Feature 39) A read mode (second read mode) is provided in which the information code is read, and in the read mode, a keyboard image (software keyboard 46) is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually input by touching (tapping or flicking) key images (key icons 47) included in the keyboard image, and in the read mode, the trigger image and the key image are allowed to overlap, and a special area (overlapping area DAX) where the trigger image and the key image overlap is either the specific operation effective area (operation detection area DA1) corresponding to the trigger image or a predetermined operation effective area (operation detection area DA2) that is the operation effective area corresponding to the key image, and the control unit includes: a determination unit (a function that performs the processes of S813 and S814 in MPU 51) that determines whether the reading terminal is in a specific situation when the read mode is set; A reading terminal according to any one of features 1 to 24, comprising: a means for performing a reading process (e.g., a decoding process of S807) of the information code based on the specific touch operation when the specific touch operation is detected in the special area and it is determined that the reading terminal is in the specific situation when the reading mode is set; and a means for performing a key input process (e.g., a key operation process of S809) corresponding to the key image based on the specific touch operation when the specific touch operation is detected in the special area and it is determined that the reading terminal is not in the specific situation when the reading mode is set, wherein the specific situation is a situation in which the information code is located within the imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit.

[0252] (Feature 40) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 37 to 39, wherein the control unit is provided with: means for performing the reading process based on the specific touch operation when the specific touch operation is detected in a part other than the special area in the specific operation effective area when the reading mode is set; and means for performing the key input process based on the specific touch operation when the specific touch operation is detected in a part other than the special area in the specific operation effective area when the reading mode is set.

[0253] This feature reduces the burden on the control unit, which is preferable for improving responsiveness during touch operations.

[0254] (Feature 41) The control unit performs the reading process based on the specific touch operation when the reading mode is set and a specific touch operation spanning the special area and a part of the specified effective operation area other than the special area is detected and the reading terminal is determined to be in the specific situation, and performs the key input process based on the specific touch operation when the reading mode is set and a specific touch operation spanning the special area and a part of the specified effective operation area other than the special area is detected and the reading terminal is determined to be not in the specific situation. A reading terminal according to any one of Features 37 to 40.

[0255] (Feature 42) The control unit performs the reading process based on the specific touch operation when the reading mode is set and a specific touch operation spanning the special area and a part of the specific operation effective area other than the special area is detected and the reading terminal is determined to be in the specific situation, and performs the key input process based on the specific touch operation when the reading mode is set and a specific touch operation spanning the special area and a part of the specific operation effective area other than the special area is detected and the reading terminal is determined to be not in the specific situation. A reading terminal according to any one of Features 37 to 41.

[0256] (Feature 43) The control unit performs the reading process based on the touch operation when the reading mode is set and a specific touch operation spanning the special area and a part of the specified effective operation area other than the special area is detected and the reading terminal is determined to be in the specific situation, and performs the key input process based on the specific touch operation when the reading mode is set and a specific touch operation spanning the special area and a part of the specified effective operation area other than the special area is detected and the reading terminal is determined to be not in the specific situation. A reading terminal according to any one of Features 37 to 42.

[0257] (Feature 44) The reading terminal according to any one of Features 37 to 43, wherein, when the trigger image and the key image are separated and the specific operation effective area and the predetermined operation effective area are separated during the reading mode, the control unit performs a reading process of the information code in response to detecting the specific touch operation in the specific operation effective area, and performs the key input process in response to detecting the specific touch operation in the predetermined operation effective area.

[0258] According to this feature, when the trigger image (i.e., a specific operation effective area) and the key image (i.e., a predetermined operation effective area) are separated from each other, the reading process or key input process is performed regardless of the specific situation. This reduces the processing load on the control unit and contributes to improving the responsiveness of the reading terminal.

[0259] (Feature 45) A reading terminal according to any one of Features 37 to 44, wherein when input of the numbers or letters is started based on the touch operation and input of the numbers or letters is continued, the reading terminal performs the key input processing based on the specific touch operation in the special area even when the reading terminal is in the specific situation.

[0260] (Feature 46) A reading program applied to a portable reading terminal (reading terminal 10) having a touch panel display device (display device 11) and an imaging unit (imaging unit 14), capable of optically reading an information code (information code 61) located in an imaging range (imaging range IR) of the imaging unit, the program causes a display surface (display surface 35) of the display device to display a trigger image (trigger icon 42) and a keyboard image (software keyboard 46), causes a control unit of the reading terminal to perform a reading process (e.g., a decoding process in S807) of the information code based on a touch operation on the trigger image, and causes a control unit of the reading terminal to perform a key input process (e.g., a key operation process in S809) corresponding to a key image (key icon 47) included in the keyboard image based on a touch operation on the key image, a reading program that causes the control unit to determine whether the usage situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation, to perform the reading process based on the touch operation when a touch operation in the special area is detected and it is determined that the usage situation is the specific situation, and to perform the key input process based on the touch operation when a touch operation in the special area is detected and it is determined that the usage situation is not the specific situation, and a reading program that causes the control unit to determine whether the usage situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation, and to perform the key input process based on the touch operation when a touch operation in the special area is detected and it is determined that the usage situation is not the specific situation, and a reading program that causes the control unit to determine whether the usage situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation, and

Claims

1. A portable reading terminal equipped with an imaging unit that optically reads an information code located within the imaging range of the imaging unit, comprising: a touch panel display device that has a display surface, displays a trigger image on the display surface, and detects a user's touch on the display surface; and a control unit that detects a specific touch operation based on the touch detection by the display device, and starts a reading process of the information code when the specific touch operation is detected in a specific operation effective area on the display surface where the trigger image is displayed, wherein the specific operation effective area includes the position where the trigger image is displayed.

2. The reading terminal of claim 1, wherein the trigger image is displayed at a position close to a predetermined edge of the display surface, the trigger image is displayed on the display surface at a position close to the predetermined edge, and the specific touch operation is an operation in which a finger touching the display surface slides from the predetermined edge side to the center side of the display surface.

3. The reading terminal of claim 1, wherein the trigger image is displayed at a position close to a predetermined edge of the display surface, the trigger image is displayed on the display surface at a position close to the predetermined edge, the specific touch operation is an operation in which a finger touching the trigger image slides from the predetermined edge side to the center side of the display surface, and the length of the slide is longer than a predetermined distance.

4. A reading terminal as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shape of the trigger image is a line extending along a predetermined edge of the display surface, and a tap operation on the trigger image is detected as the specific touch operation.

5. The reading terminal according to claim 4, wherein the control unit, when the tap operation is performed in the specific operation effective area, identifies the contact area touched by the finger in the tap operation, and determines whether the tap operation is the specific touch operation based on the shape of the identified contact area.

6. A reading mode is provided in which a reading process of the information code is performed, and in the reading mode, a keyboard image is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually entered by touching key images included in the keyboard image, and when the reading mode is set, the control unit determines whether the usage situation of the reading terminal is a specific situation based on an image captured by the imaging unit, and if it is determined that the usage situation is the specific situation, allows the reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation, and if it is determined that the usage situation is not the specific situation, does not allow the reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation. A reading terminal as described in claim 1.

7. A reading mode is provided in which a reading process of the information code is performed, and in the reading mode, a keyboard image is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually input by touching key images included in the keyboard image, and the control unit, when the reading mode is set, determines whether the reading terminal is in a specific situation, and if it is determined that the reading terminal is in the specific situation, allows the reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation, and if it is determined that the reading terminal is not in the specific situation, does not allow the reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation, and the specific situation is a situation in which the information code is located within the imaging range of the imaging unit. A reading terminal as described in claim 1.

8. A reading mode is provided in which a reading process of the information code is performed, and in the reading mode, a keyboard image is displayed on the display surface together with the trigger image, and letters or numbers corresponding to the information code can be manually input by touching key images included in the keyboard image, and in the reading mode, the trigger image and the key image are allowed to overlap, and the overlapping area where the trigger image and the key image overlap is either the specific operation effective area corresponding to the trigger image or a predetermined operation effective area corresponding to the key image, and the predetermined operation effective area includes a position where the key image is displayed, and the control unit, when the reading mode is set, determines whether the reading terminal is in a specific situation, and when the reading mode is set, if the specific touch operation is detected in the overlapping area and it is determined that the reading terminal is in the specific situation, performs a reading process of the information code based on the specific touch operation, 2. The reading terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the reading mode is set, if the specific touch operation is detected in the overlapping area and it is determined that the reading terminal is not in the specific situation, a key input process corresponding to the key image is performed based on the specific touch operation, and the specific situation is a situation in which the information code is located within the imaging range of the imaging unit.

9. A reading program for operating a portable reading terminal that has an imaging unit and optically reads information codes located within the imaging range of the imaging unit, and that has a display surface, a touch panel display device that displays an image on the display surface, and detects a user's touch on the display surface, the reading program displaying a trigger image on the display surface, detecting a specific touch operation based on touch detection by the display device, and starting a reading process of the information code when the specific touch operation is detected in a specific operation effective area on the display surface where the trigger image is displayed, and operating the reading terminal so that the specific operation effective area includes the position where the trigger image is displayed.

Images