Abstract:
Diffuse “dark field” illumination and “bright field” illumination are each provided for a hand-held encoded symbology imager/reader; to be projected therefrom upon symbology disposed on a target (component part, goods, package, etc.). The imager/reader is encased in a housing ergonomically configured to be griped in more then one manner and to thus facilitate holding the imager/reader steady. The symbology to be imaged is targeted by a line that not only spots the symbology, but by extending a length commensurate with that of the symbology, indicates that the symbology is in the field of view of the imager/reader. A CCD, disposed to receive light reflected from the symbology, has its readout controlled so that only selected portions of the CCD need be analyzed for illumination and focusing purposes. To optimize imaging and decoding time, and to optimize use of power, readout from some portions of the CCD is accomplished in relatively rapid time by speeding up the readout of the CCD in some of its active area; while reverting back to a slower readout for data to be analyzed for illumination and focusing control and decoding purposes. In addition, special application of entropy principles facilitate determining the optimum focus and illumination conditions for the imager/reader.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to and a continuation-in-part of PCT International Application Publication Number WO 97/42756, filed May 6, 1997 by Fan-Ching Tao for “Smart Progressive-Scan Charge-Coupled Device Camera” and which has an International Publication Date of Nov. 13, 1997 and which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/016,949 filed May 6, 1996 by Fan-Ching Tao; both of which are assigned to an assignee of the instant patent application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Use 
     This invention relates to imaging and reading (decoding) apparatus and methods of imaging and reading; and more particularly, to imaging and reading of encoded symbology applied, directly or indirectly, to articles and methods of effecting such imaging and the reading thereof. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     More and more, modern technology requires accurate, efficient and rapid availability of things. Things to be manufactured and to be used in manufacturing processes. Things to be placed in storage and removed from storage and/or loaded for transport and unloaded after transport. 
     It has, therefore, become important to keep track of such things or articles as such things may otherwise be referred to. Knowledge of the existence, location and physical and other characteristics of such articles facilitates a more effective employment of such articles; especially if such knowledge is gathered and stored in a consistent and automated manner and, when required, utilized in an automated manner. 
     Robotic handling of parts for processing such as machining or assembly purposes and for automated sorting, transportation, manipulation and other handling of parts, components, assemblies, goods, packages, and the like usually requires that some form of machine readable code or symbology be applied to the article. The subsequent reading (decoding), collecting, interpretation and utilization of article applied machine readable codes, by devices and systems utilized for such purposes, has been found to be an effective tool of modern industry and society. U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,927 to R. W. Kahn for “Apparatus For Semi-Conductor Wafer Identification” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,456 to K. L. Kost for “Reflection Control Apparatus” are exemplary of such product marking. At times it is convenient to apply the symbology to a media such as a pressure sensitive label. Other times it is more desirable and possibly more efficient to apply the symbology directly to the article. 
     The symbology may be a conventional bar code, a stacked bar code or other 2-D symbology. 
     Reading of such symbologies, as by a stationary or hand-held reader or imager, requires proper and accurate imaging of the symbology which, in turn, requires proper illumination of the symbology so that an accurate image of the entire symbology is captured, stored, interpreted and utilized. Illumination and imaging of symbology quite often presents problems if the media carrying the symbology is applied to an irregular or curved surface. Such problems may be more pronounced if the symbology is applied directly to the article and if the article surface is normally specular and/or if the article&#39;s surface is irregular, and/or if the symbology is of low contrast such as one accomplished by laser etching or dot peening. 
     When the symbology reader or imager is to be hand-held it is usually most desirable to minimize its size and weight; as well as the time required to effectively and efficiently capture the image of the symbology. Managing and conserving the power necessary to illuminate and capture the image of the symbology and to effect other processing to be accomplished within the hand-held device is also an important factor. The configuration of the body of a hand-held imager to be grasped and held while locating and capturing the image of the symbology and the length of time required to do so is of significant importance. Movement of the imager while capturing the image may affect the ability of the device to capture the image and the accuracy of the image itself when compared to the symbology. The shorter the time required to capture the image the greater the probability that the image captured will be interpreted to correspond to the symbology. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,300 to G. E. Chadima. Jr., et al for “Instant Portable Bar Code Reader” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,372 to J. A. S. Bjorner et al for “Apparatus For the Uniform Illumination Of A Surface”, show and describe symbology readers which must be positioned against the symbology in order to properly image and interpret the symbology; and thus limit the versatility of the device and possibly its acceptability. On the other hand imagers such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,285 to T. W. Karpen et al for “Illumination System For Optical Reader” and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,616 to D. L. Roxby et al for “Camera For Capturing And Decoding Machine-Readable Matrix Symbol Images Applied to Reflective Surfaces” and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,104 to M. Suzuki et al for “Optical Code Reader With Devices To Locate A Code In A Reading Window” may be utilized at predetermined distances from the symbology but present other characteristics and shortcomings which may render them unacceptable. 
     Other imagers and systems are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,059 to J. B. Chu et al for “Extended Working Range Dataform Reader Including Fuzzy Logic Image control Circuitry” and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,981 to A. R. Roustaei et al for “Optical Scanner For Reading And encoding One-And Two-Dimensional Symbologies At Variable Depths Of Field Including Memory Efficient High Speed Image Processing Means And High Accuracy Image Analysis Means”; but these imagers and systems also may be unacceptable because they may not meet the above described criteria. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide new and novel symbology imagers. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide new and novel symbology imagers/readers. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide new and novel imagers/readers of encoded symbology. 
     It is yet still another object of this invention to provide new and novel methods for imaging and reading encoded symbology. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide new and novel image illumination and co-acting image optics and electronic image receiving and interpreting apparatus for an imager/reader for encoded symbology. 
     It is yet a further object of this invention to provide new and novel image illumination and co-acting image optics and electronic image receiving and interpreting apparatus for a handheld imager/reader for encoded symbology. 
     It is still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel methods for illumination, imaging and interpreting encoded symbology. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel methods for illumination imaging and interpreting encoded symbology with a hand-held imager/reader. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel co-acting illumination, optical and electronic image capture assemblies for photonics for an imager. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel co-acting illumination, optical and electronic image capture assemblies for photonics for a hand-held imager/reader. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel co-acting diffuse illumination, optical and electronic image capture assemblies for focusing an imager. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel co-acting diffuse illumination, optical and electronic image capture assemblies for focusing a hand-held imager. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel methods for utilizing illumination, optics and electronic image capture for photonics for an imager/reader. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel methods for utilizing illumination, optics and electronic image capture for focusing an imager/reader. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel illumination, optics and image capture apparatus for a hand-held imager/reader and a new and novel housing configuration for same that facilitates gripping and holding the imager/reader for effective image capture. 
     It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel illumination, optics and image capture assemblies for a hand-held imager/reader in conjunction with new and novel image/reader gripping arrangements that facilitate using the hand-held imager/reader and proper utilization of mechanisms therewithin. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the inventions in their methods and details of construction and arrangement of parts will be seen from the above, from the following description of the preferred embodiments, when considered with the drawings and from the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     In the drawing: 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective showing of a handheld imager/reader system, incorporating the instant invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a linear, or 1-D symbology, more commonly referred to as a bar code, that can be imaged by the imager/reader of FIG.  1  and read (decoded) by suitable software provided to the imager/reader of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of a “stacked” type of symbology that can be imaged by the imager/reader of FIG.  1  and read (decoded) by suitable software provided to the imager/reader FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of a matrix, or 2-D, type of symbology that can be imaged by the imager/reader of FIG.  1  and read (decoded) by suitable software provided to the imager/reader of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the imager/reader of FIG. 1, rotated  180  degrees about a vertical axis; 
     FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the imager/reader of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded diagrammatic perspective of the imager/reader of FIGS.  1 , 5  and  6 ; 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the illuminator, incorporating the instant invention, of the illumination assembly, incorporating the instant invention, of the imager/reader of FIGS. 1, and  5 - 7  with the illumination source removed to better show details thereof; 
     FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the illuminator of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view of the illumination source, incorporating the instant invention, for the illuminator of FIGS. 8 and 9 and the illumination assembly of FIGS.  1  and  5 - 9 ; 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of illumination upon the illuminator of FIGS.  1  and  5 - 9 ; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the objective taking lens assembly of FIG. 5, enlarged and rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis to better show details of the aiming and targeting mechanism incorporated therein; 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a focusing disk, incorporating the instant invention, of the objective taking lens system of the imager/reader of FIGS. 1, and  5 - 7  with shims thereon exaggerated in relative size to better show details thereon 
     FIG. 14 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment, of focusing disk carrier, incorporating the instant invention, for use with the image reader of FIGS. 1,  2 ,  5  and  7 ; 
     FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional view of the focusing disk carrier taken on line  15 — 15  of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one of the focusing shims, embodying the instant invention, for the focusing disk of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 17 is a plan view of the focusing shim of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is an end view of the focusing shim of FIGS. 16 and 17; 
     FIG. 19 is a table showing an example of relative thicknesses for an exemplary set of focusing shims of the configuration shown in FIGS. 16-18 for use on the carrier of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 20 is an optical layout of the lens system of the imager/reader of the instant invention for imaging symbology in a nearby focus zone; 
     FIG. 21 is an optical layout of the lens system of the imaging system of he imager/reader of the instant invention for imaging symbology in a far focusing zone; 
     FIG. 22 is a schematic of the illuminator and illumination source of the imager/reader of the instant invention disposed in relationship to a symbology target; 
     FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the electronics and controls of the imager/reader incorporating the instant invention; 
     FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic elevational view of the imager/reader of the instant invention depicting it as it may be utilized when imaging symbology; 
     FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional elevational view of an alternative embodiment of objective taking lens assembly which includes an aiming and targeting mechanism, incorporating the instant invention, for use with the imager/reader of FIGS. 1-24; 
     FIG. 26 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of illuminator, incorporating the instant invention, for use with the illumination assembly of the imager/reader of the instant invention; and 
     FIG. 27 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of illumination source, incorporating the instant invention, for use with the illuminator of FIG.  26 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to FIG. 1 there is generally shown at  30  an imaging device or imager/reader of the type which electronically captures images of symbologies and converts the captured image into decoded and otherwise processed electronic signals. The signals are thereafter transmitted to a signal utilization apparatus  32  through a cable  34  for storage, and/or use for accounting, inventory, material handling, manufacturing processes, or the like. Apparatus  32  may house software for analyzing electrical imaging signals provided by imager  30  and for performing other system housekeeping tasks as, for example, exchanging signals related to ranging, power management, ambient light level, focusing, and activation of user interface signals. Components in imager  30  may also share one or more of such functions with apparatus  32 . If desired, imager  30  can be operated without being physically connected with an associated apparatus  32  (i.e., without need for cable  34 ). This can be accomplished by incorporating a radio frequency (RF) module (not shown) into imager  30  for communication with a portable data terminal (not shown). A suitable module includes a radio frequency communication transceiver means to allow the imager  30  to transmit and receive information, (including but not limited to decoded data, images and the like) to or from another computer or network. The imager  30  can contain energy storage means (e.g., batteries) with which to power it for a suitable duration independently of external sources. While batteries and RF will usually be connected, the utilization of RF only, without batteries, is permissible as a means of reducing the need for cable connections. An alternate to an RF communication module is an on-board infrared (IR) communication module that operates via an IR link between imager  30  and an external transceiving device (not shown). 
     The symbology to be imaged includes, for example, bar codes  40 (FIG.  2 ), stacked bar codes  42  (FIG.  3 ), 2-D (two dimensional) matrix type codes  44 (FIG.  4 ), conventional human readable characters such as those used in this description, and conventional OCR characters (not shown). Bar codes  40  and stacked bar codes  42  usually employ black bars  50  and white spaces  52  and generally require a relatively large area for a relatively limited amount of information. Matrix type 2-D symbology  44  (FIG.  4 )offers higher density capacity, generating smaller codes for a given feature size. Symbology  44 , by way of example, includes a location section  62 , a clocking section  64  and an information section  66  that is typically encoded via cell sizes of 5, 7.5, 10 or 15 mils. Because of the properties described for 2-D symbologies imager/readers need to be positioned much closer to such symbols to image the symbols then for linear bar codes or stacked bar codes. The imaging system of imager  30  is uniquely capable for imaging bar codes, stacked bar codes and matrix-type symbology over a working distance that ranges from about 1.5 inches to 16 inches as will be further explained hereinafter. Other and longer distances are possible. Imager/reader  30  will be referred to in the description that follows simply as Imager  30  to facilitate this description. 
     The respective mechanisms of imager  30  are disposed within a housing  70  (FIGS.  1  and  5 - 7 ) that includes a pair of housing segments  72 ,  74  that join together as explained in greater detail in a copending application of C. Kanojia et al., for “Multi-Modally Grippable Device and Method of Use”, U.S. Ser. No. 09/151,483. As explained further in that application, and can be seen from the figures of this application, housing  70  is ergonomically configured so that it can be grasped with relative ease in at least two principal ways. One way to grip housing  70  is with a pistol-type grip; while the other grip is one wherein the hand of the user cups or encircles the forward end or portion  76  of housing  30  which is generally convex and cup-shaped. Since housing  30  is thus ergonomic in configuration there are other ways it can be gripped and thus it should be considered to be multi-modally grippable as further explained in Kanojia et al. The configuration and sizing of housing  70  is also selected to provide an internal space  78  (FIGS. 5 &amp; 7) within which components of imager  30  are secured in position. 
     Principal components or assemblies of imager  30  include an illumination device or assembly  90  (FIGS.  5  &amp;  7 ), a camera engine or assembly  92 , an image receiver  93  (FIG. 5) and an electronic package  94  which includes at least a power PC board  96  and a CPU PC board  98 ; all co-acting and electrically interconnected. Illumination device  90  is described in detail in the copending application of H. Stern for “Diffuse Surface Illumination Apparatus And Methods”, U.S. Ser. No. 09,151,765; while camera engine  92  is described in detail in the copending applications of J. Van Tassel et al. for “Optical Focusing Device And Method”, U.S. Ser. No. 09/152,229 and for “Variable Focus Optical System”, U.S. Ser. No. 09/151,496, respectively. Additional descriptions for mechanisms  90 ,  92 ,  93  and  94 , especially with respect to photonics and focusing, are further described in coyending applications of J. Dowling et al. for “Optical Symbologies Imager”, U.S. Ser. No. 09/151,764 and “Method Of Controlling A Charge Coupled Device In An Accelerated Mode, And In Conjunction With An Optical Symbology Imager”, U.S. Ser. No. 09/151,797. Details of the construction and operation of the components and of the mechanisms of the applications referred to above are incorporated herein and made a part hereof. 
     Illumination device  90  (FIGS. 5 &amp; 7) includes a substantially cup or bowl shaped illuminator  102  (FIGS.  5  &amp;  7 - 9 ) that includes a base  104 , with a perimeter wall  106  rising from base  104  at right angles thereto to terminate at a perimeter edge  108 . A plurality of first- openings  110  extend through base  104  proximate wall  106 . A central opening  114  extends through base  104  in alignment with the lenses of camera engine  92  as will be further explained hereinafter and as explained in said H. Stern application. 
     An inner surface  120  of base  104  and an inner surface  122  of wall  106  are finished (as described in the aforementioned H. Stern application) so-that a substantially lambertian output illumination pattern is effected and projected out from every point on respective surfaces  120 , 122  that are illuminated by an illumination source  130  (also as explained in detail in said H. Stern application). 
     Illumination source  130  (FIGS. 5,  7  &amp; l 0 )includes an array of illumination devices, which may and preferably include unlensed LED&#39;s (light emitting diodes)  132  (FIGS. 5 &amp; 10) mounted on an illumination device carrier  134  which is, in turn, secured in place against peripheral edge  108  of illuminator  102 . Illumination carrier  134  is preferably fabricated from transparent (to the emitted LED wavelengths) material such as glass, plastic, etc. Illumination carrier  134  may have its surface coated with transparent or clear electrically conductive material or it may be provided with relatively thin electrical conductive strips of ink or wire  136  (FIG. 10) to electrically connect LED&#39;s  132  into a first circuit  138  and a second circuit  140 . Other circuit arrangements are possible for the LED array. 
     Each unlensed LED  132  will cast a substantially lambertian or focused illumination  142  (FIG.  11 )upon surfaces  120 , 122  of illuminator  102 . The respective illumination  142  of adjacent LED&#39;s  132  will overlap, as shown in FIG. 11, and be cast in the direction of arrow R (FIG.  5 )back into imager  30  and upon surfaces  120 , 122  to be projected in the direction of arrow F from those surfaces back through illumination carrier  134  and out from imager  30 . Illumination  142 , which strikes surface  122  of wall  106 , will be directed back into illuminator  102  and against surface  120  of base  104  to further enhance and add efficiency to illumination  142  projected out from imager  30 . 
     Circuit  138  terminates at electrical connectors  144  (FIG. 10) and circuit  140  terminates at electrical connectors  146 ; which circuits may be activated through connectors  144 ,  146  separately, together or in sequence from suitable conventional and appropriate sources. Such circuits may have their respective LED&#39;s  132  energized at various selected intensities and for selected time intervals as described in said H. Stern application. Illuminator  102  and illumination source  130  provide a “dark field” illumination also as described in said H. Stern application. 
     A plurality of “bright field” illumination devices  162  (FIGS.  5 - 7 ), which preferably include illumination devices such as lensed LED&#39;s, are carried by a “bright field” illumination carrier  164 , (FIG.  7 ), extend through first openings  110  of illuminator  102  and together comprise a “bright field” illumination source which projects its illumination forward (in the direction of arrow F). LED&#39;s  162  are disposed and operated as more fully described in said H.Stern application. 
     Camera engine  92  (FIGS. 5,  7  &amp;  12 ) includes an object taking lens arrangement  150  (FIGS.  5  and  12 —more specifically described in said J. Van Tassel applications) that also includes a Laser Diode  152  (FIG. 12) and pick off mirror  154  which co-act to project a targeting line  156  (FIG.  1 )on a symbology target  158  to be imaged. Targeting line  156  is in a color visible to the naked eye and is projected from imager  30  so as to be coextensive with the width of the target symbology  158  to be imaged and read and by doing so indicates to the user that imager  30  is in field of view to be focused. 
     Camera engine  92  also includes a focusing disk  170  (FIGS. 
       5 , 7  and  13 ) that functions to facilitate-photonics and focusing of imager  30  as more fully described in said J.Van Tassel et al. and J. Dowling applications. A motor  172  (FIGS. 5 and 7) rotates focusing disk  170  about an axis of rotation that is offset from an optical axis OA for object taking lens arrangement  150  and so as to successively position optical plates or shims  174  (FIGS. 5,  7 , 13  and  15 - 17 )in alignment with said optical axis OA. A shim carrier  176  (FIGS. 5,  7 , and  13 - 15 ), of disk  170 , is formed with shim openings  178  (FIGS. 14 &amp; 15) distributed in a circle proximate the periphery of carrier  176 . There are twelve shim openings  178  provided in carrier  176  to respectively receive twelve shims  174  arranged and for purposes described in said aforementioned applications. Each such shim  174  is fabricated from optical material and is in the configuration of a sector of a ring, as seen in FIGS. 16 and 17. A lip (FIGS. 16-18)  180 , 182 ,  184 , and  186  extends respectively from each side of shim  174 . Each lip  180 - 186  is sized and positioned to rest upon a corresponding lip (FIGS. 14 and 15)  190 , 192 ,  194  and  196  respectively formed within each shim opening  178  of carrier  176 . Resilient prongs  200  (FIGS. 16-18) extend out from lips  180 - 186  of shims  174  to facilitate seating of shims  174  in openings  178 . Shims  174  may be otherwise secured within openings  178  by adhesive or other means. It should be noted in FIG. 13 that shims  174  are of different thicknesses “DIM A” (FIG.  18 ). The respective thicknesses “DIM A” are selected to provide different focusing for camera engine  92  upon imaging receiver  93  as more specifically described in said J. Van Tassel and J. Dowling applications. For example one set of thicknesses (DIM A) for shims  174  is listed in the table of FIG.  19 . The respective shims  174  would be secured in openings  178 , for example, in the following order reading clockwise (direction of arrow C—FIG. 14) from the one o&#39;clock position. Shim  174 - 12  in opening  178 - 1 , shim  174 - 3  in opening  178 - 2 , shim  174 - 7  in opening  178 - 3  and so forth according to the table of FIG.  19 . Shims  174  are so arranged to balance rotating focusing disk  170 . A face surface  177  of shims  174 , when so seated in openings  178 , will be flush with a face surface  179  of shim carrier  176  with a back surface  179  of each shim  174  extending out from a back surface  181  of carrier  176 . 
     Optical layouts for imager  30  are shown, by way of example, in FIGS. 20 and 21 wherein the object taking lens arrangement  150  is positioned between image receiver  93  and a window  190  for imager  30 . FIG. 20 shows shim  174 - 1  in position between lens arrangement  150  and image receiver  93  representing the system configuration for extreme nearby focus. FIG. 21, on =the other hand, shows shim  174 - 12  in position between lens arrangement  150  and image receiver  93  representing the system configuration for the farthest focus zone. 
     A plurality of timing or position indicating openings  180  (FIGS. 13-15) may be either formed through shim carrier  176  in a circle within and concentric with shims  174  or imprinted on a surface of shim carrier  176 . An initial position opening  182  is also formed through shim carrier  176 . Openings  180 ,  182  are disposed to be sensed by a conventional encoder transmitter  184 (FIG. 5) to provide a signal to a counter mechanism of electronic package  94  that, in turn, provides an output indicative of the position of focusing disk  170 . An encoder receiver  186  is connected in circuit with electronic package  94  to provide control signals to motor  172  for focusing disk  170 . 
     Symbology targets  158  (FIGS.  1  and  22 ), located between the extreme nearby focus distance for imager  30  and the start of a mid-range for imager  30  (i.e. between 1.5 to 4 inches from window  190  of imager  30 —between A and B of FIG. 22) are best illuminated by “dark field” illumination device  90 . Symbology targets  158  located between the farthest focus zone for imager  30  and the end of the mid-range for imager  30  (i.e. between 16 and 8 inches from window  190 —between D and C of FIG. 22) are best illuminated by “bright field” illumination devices  162 . Symbology targets  158  located in a mid-range from window  190  of imager  30  (i.e. between 4 and 8 inches from window  190 —between B and C of FIG. 22) are best illuminated by either/or both “bright field” illumination device and “dark field” illumination device  90 . 
     Image receiver  93 , which also comprises a component of camera engine  92 , could include a CCD (charge coupled device), or a CMOS (complimentary metal oxide semi-conductor), or similar device for receiving an image from target symbology  158 . A suitable and conventional filter package  196  is positioned within camera engine  92  proximate image receiver  93 . 
     The circuitry and constituent components of electronic package  94  are schematically shown in FIG.  23  and described in detail in said J. Dowling applications. In brief, a CPU  230  connects to a flash memory  232  and a DRAM  234 , which together form the computing engine for the imager  30 . CPU  230  further connects to a serial interface  236 , which, in turn, is connected to a power supply  240 . A microcontroller  242  is connected by serial link to CPU  230 , and, in turn, is connected to power supply  240 , switches  244 , motor  246 , and illumination drivers  248 . Illumination drivers  248  are connected to “bright Field” and Targeting Illumination, shown as illumination  254 . An FPGA  250  is connected to CPU  230 , flash memory  232 , DRAM  234 , illumination drivers  238  and CCD  252 . FPGA  250  controls the CCD and illumination  254 . FPGA  250  and microcontroller  243  control targeting. Motor  246  drives focusing disk  94 . 
     In operation imager  30  is grasped by the user in one of its multi-positions, as described in said C.Kanojia application and trigger  200  (FIGS. 1 and 5) is depressed to activate electronic package  94  of imager  30 . Focusing disk  170  is set into rotation by its motor  172  and targeting line  156  is projected towards symbology target  158 . When targeting line  156  is centered within symbology  158  and extends substantially the same width as that of symbology  158  the operator visually knows that at least one dimension of symbology  158  is within the field 5  of-view of imager  30  and so covers the maximum number of camera pixels to achieve the highest camera resolution possible. As focusing disk  170  rotates, with symbology  158  illuminated by flash illumination under the control of the CPU, imaging receiver  93  receives successive light images reflected off of symbology  158  through lens arrangement  150  and successive shims  174  until photonics are completed for imager  30  as described in said J.Dowling et al application. Photonics is the setting of brightness and duration parameters for illumination; as well as whether “dark field”, “bright field” or both illuminations are required. The setting of the photonics for imager  30 , when accomplished as described in said J.Dowling et al application, may only require flash illumination through two successive shim positions and only 11 mS (milliseconds) and no more then five successive shim positions and only 27.5 mS. The innovative use of the CCD of image receiver  93  by speeding up the output signals from a first plurality of pixel rows and, in essence, dumping those signals instead of analyzing them and the subsequent slowing down and analyzing of the pixel output for a section of pixel rows proximate the center of the CCD and thereafter resetting the CCD provides an acquisition time for each shim image of 5.5 mS. One or more other sections of the CCD of image receiver  93  may be selected for analysis while the remainder of the CCD is, in effect, dumped. This innovative use of the CCD of image receiver  93  is described in detail in the J.Dowling et al application. The CCD of image receiver  93  might, for example, include a pixel array of 659×494 pixels; with the speed-up applied to the first 242 rows of pixels, the next ten rows analyzed and the last 242 rows disregarded and reset. 
     After the photonics have been set symbology  158  is again flash illuminated under CPU control and through the twelve shim positions and the reflected image back to image receiver  93  is analyzed as described in said J. Dowling et al application to determine the best focus position for rotating focusing disk  170  for the particular symbology  158 . The amount of time required to accomplish focusing should not exceed 66 mS (i.e. 5.5 mS×12 shim positions)plus the time to rotate focusing disk  170  to the best focusing position and illuminate symbology  158  according to the photonics established as described above. The CCD of image receiver  60  is thereafter analyzed (decoded) and the result transmitted to either utilization apparatus  32  or as otherwise described above. 
     While in the above description the photonics is described as being accomplished before focusing it should be understood that photonics and focusing may just as well be accomplished at the same time or that the photonics might be accomplished after determining the correct focus position for the focusing disk. In appropriate conditions of illumination the photonics might be skipped altogether. 
     In some instances of use it may be desirable to tilt imager  30  as shown in FIG.  24  and further described in said J. Van Tassel applications. 
     Determining the distance to target  158  for purposes of proper illumination of target  158 , and for purposes of selecting the shim for proper focusing of same, may also be accomplished by various ranging techniques; and utilized either in addition to, to supplement, or to replace, the illumination and focusing arrangements described above and in the other co-pending applications referred to herein. Ultrasonics, laser triangulation and confocal distance measuring are exemplary of techniques for these purposes. 
     FIG. 25 shows an alternative embodiment of object taking lens arrangement  210  wherein a targeting illumination source  212 , in the form of an LED, projects targeting light upon a partially transmitting, partially reflecting beamsplitter  214  to generate a targeting line as described in said J. Van Tassel applications. 
     FIGS. 26 and 27 show an alternative configuration of illumination device  260  for imager  30  and which includes an illuminator  262  (FIG. 26) and an illumination source  264  (FIG.  27 ). Illuminator  262  and illumination source  264  are similar in construction interrelationship and use to illuminator  102  (FIG. 8) and illumination source  130  (FIG.  9 )except that illumination source  264  includes a first array of nine unlensed LED&#39;s  270 , carried by a carrier  271  and electrically interconnected into a first circuit  272  by a suitable electrically conductive substance or material, such as wires  274 , which terminate at connectors  276 ; and a second array of nine unlensed LED&#39;s  280  carried by carrier  271  and electrically interconnected into a second circuit  282  by electrically conductive material, such as ink or wires  284 , which terminate at connectors  286 . A space  290  is provided between circuits  272 ,  282  in alignment with a central opening  292  through base  262  of illuminator  260  to facilitate passage through carrier  271  and illuminator  262  of light reflected from symbology  130  back to image receiver  93 . 
     Inner surfaces  294 ,  296  of illuminator  262  are finished as described above for surfaces  120 ,  122  of illuminator  102  and function in the same manner as described above to provide diffuse illumination to the symbology. 
     A pair of elongated slots  298  extend through the base of illuminator  262  to facilitate passage through illuminator  262  of laser beams which may be utilized to target symbology in place of the targeting system described above. 
     From the above descriptions it will thus be seen that there has been provided new and improved imagers for imaging and decoding symbology; and new and improved targeting, illumination, photonic, and focusing mechanisms and ergonomic multi-grippable imager housing respectively for such imagers. While hand-held imagers have generally been described it will be understood that the mechanisms described and their respective operation and co-acting may just as easily be utilized with stationary disposed imagers and housed accordingly. 
     It is understood that although there has been shown and described preferred embodiments of the inventions that various modifications may be made in details thereof without departing from the spirit as comprehended by the following claims.