Patent Publication Number: US-2013228625-A1

Title: On demand decoding of decodable indicia

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to optical based registers, and particularly is related to an image sensor based indicia reading apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Indicia reading apparatus for reading decodable indicia are available in multiple varieties. For example, minimally featured indicia reading apparatus devoid of a keyboard and display are common in point of sale applications. Indicia reading apparatus devoid of a keyboard and display are available in the recognizable gun style form factor having a handle and trigger button (trigger) that can be actuated by an index finger. Indicia reading appartus having keyboards and displays are also available. Keyboards and display equipped indicia reading apparatus are commonly used in shipping and warehouse applications, and are available in form factors incorporating a display and keyboard. In a keyboard and display equipped indicia reading apparatus, a trigger button for actuating the output of decoded messages is typically provided in such locations as to enable actuation by a thumb of an operator. Indicia reading apparatus in a form devoid of a keyboard and display or in a keyboard and display equipped form are commonly used in a variety of data collection applications including point of sale applications, shipping applications, warehousing applications, security check point applications, and patient care applications. 
     Some indicia reading apparatus are adapted to read bar code symbols including one or more of one dimensional (1D) bar codes, stacked 1D bar codes, and two dimensional (2D) bar codes. Other indicia reading apparatus are adapted to read OCR characters while still other indicia reading apparatus are equipped to read both bar code symbols and OCR characters. An indicia reading terminal can have one or more of an image sensor based image data output system and a laser scanning based image data output system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There is set forth herein an indicia reading apparatus having a plurality of configurations that can be activated with use of a manually actuated multiple state trigger. According to a first configuration the indicia reading apparatus can project a light pattern while maintaining in an inactive state decoding operations for attempting to decode a decodable indicia by processing of image data. According to a second configuration the indicia reading apparatus can activate decoding operations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features described herein can be better understood with reference to the drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. 
         FIG. 1  is a physical form view of an indicia reading apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a physical form view of an indicia reading apparatus in an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a representation of a target substrate having a plurality of decodable indicia; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an indicia reading apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a timing diagram illustrating operation of an indicia reading apparatus in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a laser scanning image data output system; 
         FIG. 7  is a timing diagram illustrating operation of an indicia reading apparatus having a laser scanning based image data output system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     There is set forth herein as shown in  FIG. 1  an indicia reading apparatus  1000  having a plurality of configurations that can be activated with use of a manually actuated multiple state trigger  1120 . According to a first configuration, the indicia reading apparatus  1000  can project an aiming pattern  1270  while maintaining in an inactive state decoding operations for attempting to decode a decodable indicia by processing of a captured frame of image data. According to a second configuration the indicia reading apparatus  1000  can activate decoding operations. In  FIG. 1 , indicia reading apparatus  1000  is a type having a manual trigger  1120 , a display  1122 , and a keyboard  1126 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , indicia reading apparatus  1000  is a gun style apparatus devoid of a display  1122  and a keyboard  1126  but including a manual trigger  1120 . In a further aspect, indicia reading apparatus  1000  can include a hand held housing  1014  in which components of apparatus  1000  as set forth in  FIG. 4  can be disposed. 
     In the development of apparatus  1000  it was noted that a wrong decodable indicia is often decoded with use of prior art indicia reading apparatus. Referring to  FIG. 3  there is shown a target substrate T having disposed thereon a plurality of decodable indicia  15   a - 15   j.  A user of indicia reading apparatus  1000  may wish to decode one of a center decodable indicia e.g., indicia  15   e,  but instead may unintentionally decode a decodable indicia at a periphery of the target substrate  15  such as decodable indicia  15   g.  Fields of view positions  1240   a - 1240   c  depict a possible progression of a field of view  1240  ( FIG. 4 ) of an indicia reading apparatus  1000  over time while user attempts to center a field of view on the desired decoded decodable indicia  15   e.  At time T 1 , field of view  1240  may be at position  1240   a,  at time T 2  after T 1 , field of view  1240  may be at position  1240   b.  At time T 3  after time T 2 , field of view  1240  may be at position  1240   c.  Only at Time T 3  is a field of view  1240  of apparatus  1000  positioned at a position to facilitate reading of the decodable indicia  15   e  desired to be read. However, in the development of apparatus  1000 , it was determined that prior to time T 3  a prior art apparatus (not shown) may have previously decoded an unwanted decodable indicia, such as the indicia  15   g  within field of view position  1240   b.    
     As set forth herein an indicia reading apparatus  1000  can be provided with configurations that can be activated with use of a manually actuated trigger  1120  so that decoding operations can be controlled in a manner that decodable indicia desired to be decoded can be decoded e.g., decodable indicia  15   e  as shown in  FIG. 3  and further that decoding of decodable indicia whose decoding is not desired can be avoided. 
     An exemplary hardware platform for support of operations described herein with reference to an image sensor based indicia reading terminal is shown and described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     Indicia reading apparatus  1000  can include an image sensor  1032  comprising a multiple pixel image sensor array  1033  having pixels arranged in rows and columns of pixels, associated column circuitry  1034  and row circuitry  1035 . Associated with the image sensor  1032 , can be amplifier circuitry  1036  and an analog to digital converter  1037 . Analog to digital converter  1037  converts image data in the form of analog signal image data read out of image sensor array  1033  into image data in the form of digital signal image data. Apparatus  1000  can be adapted to output image data using image assembly  1110  (including image sensor array  1033 ). For example, image sensor array  1033  can output raw analog signal image data, amplifier  1036  can output amplified analog signal image data, and analog to digital converter  1037  can convert analog signal image data into digital form for storage into RAM  1080  for processing by CPU  1060 . Referring further to image sensor  1032 , image sensor  1032  can also have an associated timing and control circuit  1038  for use in controlling, for e.g., the exposure period of image sensor  1032 , gain applied to the amplifier  1036 . The noted circuit components  1032 ,  1036 ,  1037 , and  1038  can be packaged into a common image sensor integrated circuit  1040 . In one example, image sensor integrated circuit  1040  can be provided by an MT9V022 image sensor integrated circuit available from Micron Technology, Inc. In another example, image sensor integrated circuit  1040  can incorporate a Bayer pattern filter. In such an embodiment, CPU  1060  prior to subjecting a frame to further processing can interpolate pixel values intermediate of green pixel values for development of a monochrome frame of image data. 
     In the course of operation of apparatus  1000 , image signals can be read out of image sensor  1032 , converted and stored into a system memory such as RAM  1080 . A memory  1085  of apparatus  1000  can include RAM  1080 , a nonvolatile memory such as EPROM  1082  and a storage memory device  1084  such as may be provided by a flash memory or a hard drive memory. In one embodiment, apparatus  1000  can include CPU  1060  which can be adapted to read out image data stored in memory  1080  and subject such image data to various image processing algorithms. Apparatus  1000  can include a direct memory access (DMA) unit  1070  for routing image information read out from image sensor  1032  that has been subject to conversion to RAM  1080 . In another embodiment, apparatus  1000  can employ a system bus providing for bus arbitration mechanism (e.g., a PCI bus) thus eliminating the need for a central DMA controller. A skilled artisan would appreciate that other embodiments of the system bus architecture and/or direct memory access components providing for efficient data transfer between the image sensor  1032  and RAM  1080  are within the scope and the spirit of the invention. 
     Referring to further aspects of apparatus  1000 , lens assembly  200  can be adapted for focusing an image of a decodable indicia  15  located within a field of view  1240  on a target substrate T, onto image sensor array  1033 . Imaging light rays can be transmitted about imaging axis  25 . Lens assembly  200  can be adapted to be capable of multiple focal lengths and multiple best focus distances. A combination of imaging lens assembly  200  and image sensor array  1033  can be regarded as an imaging assembly  1100 . 
     Apparatus  1000  can also include an illumination pattern light source bank  1204  and associated light shaping optics  1205  for generating an illumination pattern  1260  substantially corresponding to a field of view  1240  of apparatus  1000 . The combination of bank  1204  and optics  1205  can be regarded as an illumination light pattern assembly  1206 . Apparatus  1000  can also include an aiming pattern light source bank  1208  and associated light shaping optics  1209  for generating an aiming pattern  1270  on substrate  1250 . The combination of bank  1208  and optics  1209  can be regarded as an aiming light pattern projection assembly  1210 . In use, apparatus  1000  can be oriented by an operator with respect to a substrate  1250  bearing decodable indicia  15  in such manner that aiming pattern  1270  is projected on a decodable indicia  15 . In the example of  FIG. 4 , decodable indicia  15  is provided by a 1D bar code symbol. Decodable indicia  15  could also be provided by a 2D bar code symbol or optical character recognition (OCR) characters. Each of illumination pattern light source bank  1204  and aiming pattern light source bank  1208  can include one or more light sources. 
     Lens assembly  200  can be controlled with use of electrical power input unit  55  which provides energy for changing a plane of optimal focus of lens assembly  200 . In one embodiment, an electrical power input unit  55  can operate as a controlled voltage source, and in another embodiment, as a controlled current source. Illumination pattern light source bank  1204  can be controlled with use of illumination pattern light source control circuit  1220 . Aiming pattern light source bank  1208  can be controlled with use of aiming pattern light source bank control circuit  1222 . 
     Electrical power input unit  55  can apply signals for changing optical characteristics of lens assembly  200 , e.g., for changing a focal length and/or a best focus distance of (a plane of optimum focus of) lens assembly  200 . Illumination pattern light source bank control circuit  1220  can send signals to illumination pattern light source bank  1204 , e.g., for changing a level of illumination output by illumination pattern light source bank  1204 . Aiming pattern light source bank control circuit  1222  can send signals to aiming pattern light source bank  1208 , e.g., for changing a level of illumination output by aiming pattern light source bank  1208 . 
     Apparatus  1000  can also include a number of peripheral devices including trigger  1120  which may be used to make active a trigger signal for activating frame readout and/or certain decoding processes. Apparatus  1000  can be adapted so that activation of trigger  1120  activates a trigger signal and initiates a decode attempt. Specifically, apparatus  1000  can be operative so that in response to activation of a certain trigger signal state, a succession of frames can be read out and captured by way of read out of image information from image sensor array  1033  (typically in the form of analog signals) and then storage of the image information after conversion into memory  1080  (which can buffer one or more of the succession of frames at a given time). 
     CPU  1060  can be operative to subject one or more of the succession of frames to a decode attempt. For attempting to decode a bar code symbol, CPU  1060  can process image data of a frame corresponding to a line of pixel positions (e.g., a row, a column, or a diagonal set of pixel positions) to determine a spatial pattern of dark and light cells and can convert each light and dark cell pattern determined into a character or character string via table lookup. In one embodiment, CPU  1060  can search for decodable indicia starting from a center of a captured frame of image data (i.e., a center pixel position) and proceeding in an outwardly extending search pattern. In one embodiment, the search pattern can be a helical pattern. In one embodiment, the search pattern can include a search of radial search lines extending automatically from a center pixel position. In one embodiment, apparatus  1000  can be adapted so that aiming light pattern projection assembly  1210  projects aiming pattern  1270  at a position proximate a center of a field of view  1240  of apparatus  1000 . Accordingly, with aiming pattern  1270  projected on decodable indicia, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 4 , a representation of decodable indicia  15   e  can be expected to be represented proximate to a center of captured frame of image data corresponding to field of view  1240 , and accordingly easily located with use of a search pattern that commences a search for decodable indicia at a center of a frame of image data. 
     Apparatus  1000  can include various interface circuits for coupling various of the peripheral devices to system address/data bus (system bus)  1500 , for communication with CPU  1060  also coupled to system bus  1500 . Apparatus  1000  can include interface circuit  1028  for coupling image sensor timing and control circuit  1038  to system bus  1500 , interface circuit  1118  for coupling electrical power input unit  55  to system bus  1500 , interface circuit  1218  for coupling illumination light source bank control circuit  1220  to system bus  1500 , interface circuit  1224  for coupling aiming light source bank control circuit  1222  to system bus  1500 , and interface circuit  1119  for coupling trigger  1120  to system bus  1500 . Apparatus  1000  can also include a display  1122  coupled to system bus  1500  and in communication with CPU  1060 , via interface  1121 , as well as pointer mechanism  1124  in communication with CPU  1060  via interface  1123  connected to system bus  1500 . Apparatus  1000  can also include keyboard  1126  in communication with CPU  1060  via interface  1125  connected to system bus  1500 . Apparatus  1000  can also include range detector  1128  in communication with CPU  1060  via interface  1127  connected to system bus  1500 . Range detector  1128  can be e.g., an ultrasonic range detector. Apparatus  1000  can also include one or more communication interface  1130  e.g., a wireline communication interface (e.g., Ethernet, USB) or a wireless communication interface (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth) 
     A succession of frames of image data that can be captured and subject to the described processing can be full frames (including pixel values corresponding to more than about 80% of pixels of image sensor  1032 ). A succession of frames of image data that can be captured and subject to the described processing (e.g., frame quality evaluation processing) can also be “windowed frames” comprising pixel values corresponding to less than about 80%, and in some cases less than about 50% and in some cases less than 10% of pixels of image sensor  1032 . A succession of frames of image data that can be captured and subject to the described processing can also comprise a combination of full frames and windowed frames. A full frame can be captured by selectively addressing for readout pixels of image sensor  1032  corresponding to the full frame. A windowed frame can be captured by selectively addressing for readout pixels of image sensor  1032  corresponding to the windowed frame. 
     Apparatus  1000  can capture frames of image data at a rate known as a frame rate. A typical frame rate is 60 frames per second (FPS) which translates to a frame time (frame period) of 16.6 ms. Another typical frame rate is 30 frames per second (FPS) which translates to a frame time (frame period) of 33.3 ms per frame. 
     A physical form view of apparatus  1000  in various embodiments is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Trigger  1120 , display  1122 , pointer mechanism  1124 , and keyboard  1126  can be disposed on a common side of a hand held housing  1014  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Display  1122  and trigger  1120  and pointer mechanism  1124  in combination can be regarded as a user interface of apparatus  1000 . Display  1122  in one embodiment can incorporate a touch panel for navigation and virtual actuator selection and manual trigger signal activation via a virtual displayed trigger in which case a user interface of apparatus  1000  can be provided by display  1122 . A user interface of apparatus  1000  can also be provided by configuring apparatus  1000  to be operative to be reprogrammed by decoding of programming bar code symbols. A hand held housing  1014  for apparatus  1000  can in another embodiment be devoid of a display and can be in a gun style form factor as shown in  FIG. 2 . Further aspects of apparatus  1000  are set forth in connection with  FIG. 5  showing a timing diagram illustrating aspects of apparatus  1000  in one embodiment. 
     Referring to the timing diagram of  FIG. 5 , signal  5504  is a trigger signal which as set forth herein can have multiple active states which in one embodiment can be controlled with use of manual trigger  1120 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , trigger signal  5504  can have a first active state represented by logic level “1” a second active state represented by logic level “2” and an inactive state represented by logic level “0”. Apparatus  1000  can be adapted so that the states can be controlled with use of manual trigger  1120 . In one embodiment, apparatus  1000  can be adapted so that a first active state represented as logic level “1” in  FIG. 5  is established by manually depressing trigger  1120 , and can be further adapted so that a second active state represented by logic level “2” is established by subsequently releasing trigger  1120  and can further be adapted so that an inactive state, logic level “0” is established by one of successfully decoding a decodable indicia or by expiration of a timeout after activation of the second active state without a successful decode. Manual trigger  1120  can also be provided according to an alternative embodiment allowing a first depressed position and second further depressed position so that the second active state is established by further depressing in a trigger  1120  to a further extent and further so that an inactive state of trigger signal  5504  represented by logic “0” can be realized by one or more of a successful decode, a timeout or by manually releasing trigger  1120 . 
     Referring to further aspects of an apparatus  1000  operating in accordance with the timing diagram of  FIG. 5 , signal  5504  is an illumination control signal for controlling a projection of a projected light pattern by apparatus  1000 , e.g., aiming pattern  1270 . Signal  5510  is an exposure signal. Logic high periods of signal  5510  define exposure periods  5320 ,  5322 ,  5324 , and  5326 . Signal  5512  is a read out signal. Logic high periods of signal  5512  define read out periods  5420 ,  5422 , and  5424 . Processing periods  5520 ,  5522 , and  5524  can represent processing periods during which time CPU  1060  of apparatus  1000  processes stored (e.g., buffered) frames representing a target substrate, T, that can bear decodable indicia. Such processing can include processing for attempting to decode a decodable indicia as described herein. 
     With further reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 5 , an operator user at time t=t 0  can establish a first active state of trigger signal  5504  utilizing trigger  1120 . With trigger  1120  in a first active state, apparatus  1000  operates in a first configuration. In a first configuration in the specific embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 5 , aiming light pattern projection assembly  1210  projects aiming pattern  1270 . In the specific embodiment depicted with reference to  FIG. 5 , aiming light pattern projection assembly  1210  projects aiming pattern  1270  during logic high periods of control signal  5508 , namely during periods  5222 ,  5224 ,  5226 ,  5228 ,  5230 ,  5232 . Periods  5222 ,  5224 ,  5226  depicted in the timing diagram of  FIG. 5  are periods occurring during a time that a first configuration is active. Periods  5228 ,  5230 ,  5232  are periods occurring during a time that a second configuration is active. In the embodiment described with reference to the timing diagram at  FIG. 5 , aiming light pattern projection assembly  1210 , as is indicated by periods  5222 ,  5224 ,  5226 ,  5228 ,  5230 ,  5232  being discontinuous, projects aiming pattern  1270  on a cycled on and off basis with both the first configuration and second configuration active. In another embodiment light pattern projection assembly  1210  can project aiming pattern  1270  on a continuously on basis when operating in accordance with one or more of the first configuration and second configuration. 
     With further reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 5 , an operator at time, t 1 , can establish a second active status of trigger signal  5504  using manual trigger  1120 . Apparatus  1000  can be operative so that apparatus  1000  operates in accordance with a second configuration when trigger signal  5504  is in a second active state. In response to trigger signal  5504  being established at a second active state, apparatus  1000  can expose a succession of frames for capture. Further responsively to a trigger signal  5504  being established at a second active state, captured frames during processing periods  5520 ,  5522 ,  5524  can be subject to an attempt to decode as has been set forth herein. During each exposure period  5320 ,  5322 ,  5324 ,  5326  a frame of image data can be exposed. 
     In one embodiment, there are a succession of frames exposed, read out and subject to processing during a time that trigger signal  5504  is established at a second active state. The processing of each frame exposed with the second configuration active can include a decode attempt as described herein. As explained, a trigger signal  5504  can be established at a first active state by depression of trigger  1120  and can be established at a second active state by release of trigger  1120 . 
     Referring to the timing diagram of  FIG. 5  apparatus  1000  can be caused to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration by manual control of manual trigger  1120 . Apparatus  1000  in the embodiment described with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 5  is operative to operate in a first configuration with a first active state of a trigger signal  5504  being established and to operate in a second configuration with a second active state of a trigger signal  5504  being activated. 
     In the embodiment described with reference to the trigger diagram of  FIG. 5  exposure of frames captured utilizing image sensor array  1033  is activated responsively to the second configuration being activated. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  apparatus  1000  when operating in a first configuration and prior to operating in a second configuration is restricted from exposing and capturing frames of image data utilizing image sensor array  1033 . Further in the embodiment described with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 5 , an attempt to decode frames of image data is activated responsively to a second configuration being activated. 
     In an embodiment that is an alternative to the one described with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 5 , apparatus  1000  can be operative so that in a first configuration active prior to time t=t 1  apparatus  1000  can be exposing and capturing frames of image data when operating in a first configuration but can be restricted from attempting to decode a captured frame until a time that the second configuration activated at time t=t 1 . 
     In either of the set forth embodiments, apparatus  1000  can be used to selectively read a desired decodable indicia within a scene having a plurality of decodable indicia such as the scene corresponding to target T depicted in  FIG. 3 . For decoding a desired decodable indicia  15   e  as shown in  FIG. 3  apparatus  1000  with trigger signal  5504  in a first active state can be moved relative to a target substrate until a time that an aiming pattern  1270  is centered on a decodable indicia e.g., decodable indicia  15   e  which a user of apparatus  1000  wishes to decode. With aiming pattern  1270  so centered, a user can control trigger  1120  to activate a second active state of trigger signal  5504  to commence one of more of decoding captured frames of image data and exposure of one or more frame of image data for capture. In such manner decoding of unwanted decodable indicia not desired for decoding can be easily avoided. 
     In another embodiment, aspects of apparatus  1000  set forth herein can be incorporated into an indicia reading apparatus having a laser scanning based image data output system. Image sensor based image data output system components such as components  1206 ,  1210 ,  1220 ,  1218 ,  1222 ,  1224 ,  200 ,  1040 ,  1028 ,  200 ,  55 ,  1118  can be substituted for by laser scanning based image data output system components such as components  2109 ,  2110 ,  2114 ,  2118 ,  2117 ,  2122 ,  2132 ,  2131 ,  2128 , and  2127  as set forth in 
       FIG. 6 . Laser scanning based image data output system  2050  having laser scanning assembly  2100  and including components  2109 ,  2110 ,  2114 ,  2118 ,  2117 ,  2122 ,  2132 ,  2131 ,  2128 , and  2127  can be disposed in housing  1014  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In one embodiment, apparatus  1000  can have disposed in housing  1014  both an image sensor based image data output system including imaging assembly  1110  and a laser scanning image data output system including laser scanning assembly  2100 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , a laser scanning based image data output system  2050  can comprise laser diode assembly  2110 , a scanning mirror  2114  for projecting scanned laser line  2270  on a target substrate T, a motor  2118  for moving scanning mirror  2114  and a photodiode assembly  2122  for detecting reflected laser light. Laser light can be emitted along axis  26 . Photodiode assembly  2122  can include a photodiode  2124  and an integrated amplifier  2126 . Apparatus  1000  can output image data using laser scanning assembly  2100 . For example, photodiode  2124  can output raw analog image data, amplifier  2126  can output amplified analog signal image data, analog to digital converter  2128  can convert analog signal image data into digital image data and can output digitized image data for storage into RAM  1080 . A light pattern projected by laser scanning based image data output system  2050  can include laser line  2270  which can be used by an user of apparatus  1000  for aiming apparatus  1000 . A light pattern projected by laser scanning based image data output system  2050  can in one embodiment include aiming pattern light pattern projection assembly  2132  external to assembly  2100  for projection of aiming pattern light pattern  2290  which can be external to scan line  2270 . Where apparatus  1000  is adapted to project pattern  2290 , pattern  2290  can be used by a user to aim apparatus  1000 . Components  2110 ,  2118 ,  2128 ,  2132  can have associated interface circuits  2109 ,  2117 ,  2131  for interfacing to system bus  1500  and for providing communication with CPU  1060 . 
     For attempting to decode a bar code symbol, CPU  1060  ( FIG. 4 ) can process digitized image data stored in RAM  1080  corresponding to a scanned, reflected, and detected laser beam to determine a spatial pattern of dark cells and light cells intersected by projected laser beam  2270  and can convert each light and dark cell pattern determined into a character of a character string via table lookup. 
     Aspects of operation of an apparatus  100  having a laser scanning system  2050  are set forth with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 7 . Apparatus  1000  can include a first configuration in which the apparatus  1000  projects a light pattern which can be used for aiming the apparatus  1000 . Apparatus  1000  can include a second configuration in which the apparatus  1000  is permitted to attempt to decode image data output using laser scanning assembly  2100  (including photodiode  2124 ) of system  2050 . Such image data output using assembly  2100  (including photodiode  2124 ) can include digital signal image data corresponding to reflected laser light stored in RAM  1080 . With a first configuration active, apparatus  1000  can be restricted from attempting to decode image data output using assembly  2100 . Apparatus  1000  having system  2050  can also include a second configuration. With a second configuration active, apparatus  1000  can be permitted to attempt to decode decodable indicia represented in output image data. Apparatus  1000  can be operative to control the activation of the first configuration and the second configuration using manual trigger  1120  which can be a multiple state trigger as set forth previously herein. With reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 7  apparatus  1000  prior to time T 1  can be controlled with use of trigger  1120  so that the first configuration is active. Apparatus  1000  after time T 1  can be controlled with use of trigger  1120  so that the second configuration is active. 
     Referring to the timing diagram of  FIG. 7 , signal  5504  is a trigger signal operative as described in connection with  FIG. 5  and having multiple active states that can be controlled with use of trigger  1120 . Signal  7508  is a signal controlling energization of laser diode assembly  2110  and motor  2118  for projection of scanned laser line  2270 , with “on” periods being periods  7222 ,  7224 ,  7226 ,  7228 ,  7230 ,  7232 ,  7234 ,  7236 . In the specific example of  FIG. 7 , laser line  2270  is controlled to be projected on a “cycled on and off” basis, with “on” periods being periods  7222 ,  7224 ,  7226 ,  7228 ,  7230 ,  7232 ,  7234 ,  7236 . In another embodiment, laser line  2270  can be controlled to be projected on a “continuously on” basis. Referring further to the timing diagram of  FIG. 7 , periods  7320  are periods in which CPU  1060  processes image data stored in RAM  1080  for attempting to decode decodable indicia. In the specific embodiment described with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 7 , apparatus  1000  can be restricted from storing image data in RAM  1080  with the first configuration active. In an alternative embodiment with the first configuration active, CPU  1060  can process captured image data representing reflected laser light with the first configuration active but its operation can be restricted so that attempting decoding is not permitted with the first configuration active. In the embodiment described with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 7  with the first configuration active, laser line  2270  can be projected to allow a user to aim apparatus  1000 . In an alternative embodiment with the first configuration active light pattern projection assembly  2132  can be energized so that aiming pattern light pattern  2290  can be projected (on a cycled on and off or continuously on basis) in place of or in addition to laser line light pattern  2270  in order to allow a user to aim apparatus  1000 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , an apparatus having laser scanning based image data output system  2050  can be operated in the manner of a reading apparatus having an image sensor based image data output system  1050  ( FIG. 4 ). With use of an apparatus  1000  having system  2050  a user can control trigger  1120  to activate a first configuration and can move apparatus  1000  into such position that a light pattern e.g., light pattern  2270  and/or light pattern  2290  is projected proximate (including positions that are “on”) a decodable indicia  15   e  desired to be read and without risk of undesirably decoding a decodable indicia proximate desired decodable indicia  15   e.  With apparatus  1000  so positioned, a user can control trigger  1120  so that a second configuration is activated to permit decoding of desired decodable indicia  15   e  by processing of image data representing decodable indicia  15   e.    
     A small sample of systems, methods and apparatus that are described herein is as follows:
     A1. An indicia reading apparatus comprising:   

     an imaging assembly having an image sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing an image onto the image sensor array; 
     a light pattern projection assembly for projecting a light pattern; 
     a manual trigger having multiple states; 
     a first configuration and a second configuration; 
     wherein the indicia reading apparatus with the first configuration active is adapted so that the light pattern projection assembly projects the light pattern and is further adapted so that the indicia reading apparatus is restricted from attempting to decode decodable indicia utilizing image data captured with use of the imaging assembly; 
     wherein the indicia reading apparatus with the second configuration active is adapted so that the indicia reading apparatus is permitted to attempt to decode decodable indicia utilizing image data captured with use of the imaging assembly; 
     wherein the indicia reading apparatus is adapted so that a user can control a transition of the indicia reading apparatus from the first configuration to the second configuration with use of the manual trigger.
     A2. The indicia reading apparatus of claim A1, wherein the indicia reading apparatus is adapted so that the light pattern projection assembly projects the light pattern on a continuously on basis with the first configuration active.   A3. The indicia reading apparatus of A1, wherein the indicia reading apparatus is adapted so that the light pattern projection assembly projects the light pattern on a cycled on and off basis with the first configuration active.   A4. The indicia reading apparatus of A1, wherein with the second configuration active the indicia reading apparatus is further adapted to project the light pattern.   A5. The indicia reading apparatus of A1, wherein with the second configuration active the indicia reading apparatus is further adapted to commence exposure of frames of image data utilizing the imaging assembly.   A6. The indicia reading apparatus of A1, wherein with the first configuration active the indicia reading apparatus is further adapted so that the indicia reading apparatus is restricted from exposing and capturing frames of image data utilizing the imaging assembly.   A7. The indicia reading apparatus of A1, wherein the light pattern projection assembly is an aiming light pattern projection assembly that projects an aiming pattern.   B1. A method for reading a certain decodable indicia comprising:   

     providing an hand held indicia reading apparatus having an imaging assembly including an image sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing an image onto the image sensor array, a light pattern projection assembly for projecting a light pattern, a manual trigger having multiple states, a first configuration and a second configuration each of which can be made active by control of the manual trigger, wherein the providing includes providing the indicia reading apparatus so that with the first configuration active the light pattern projection assembly projects the light pattern and the indicia reading apparatus is restricted from attempting to decode decodable indicia utilizing image data captured with use of the imaging assembly, wherein the providing further including providing the indicia reading apparatus so that with the second configuration active the indicia reading apparatus is permitted to attempt to decode decodable indicia utilizing image data captured with use of the imaging assembly; 
     controlling the manual trigger to activate the first configuration; 
     manually moving the indicia reading terminal with the first configuration active until the light pattern is projected onto the certain decodable indicia; and 
     controlling the manual trigger to activate the first configuration to permit decoding of the decodable indicia.
     B2. The method of B1, wherein the providing includes providing the indicia reading apparatus so that the light pattern projection assembly projects the light pattern on a continuously on basis with the first configuration active.   B3. The method of B1, wherein the providing includes providing the indicia reading apparatus so that the light pattern projection assembly projects the light pattern on a cycled on and off basis with the first configuration active.   B4. The method of B1, wherein the providing includes providing the indicia reading apparatus so that with the second configuration active the indicia reading apparatus is further adapted to project the light pattern.   B5. The method of B1, wherein the providing includes providing the indicia reading apparatus so that with the second configuration active the indicia reading apparatus is further adapted to commence exposure of frames of image data utilizing the imaging assembly.   B6. The method of B1, wherein the providing includes providing the indicia reading apparatus so that with the first configuration active the indicia reading apparatus is further adapted so that the indicia reading apparatus is restricted from exposing and capturing frames of image data utilizing the imaging assembly.   B7. The method of B1, wherein the providing includes providing the indicia reading apparatus so that the light pattern projection assembly is an aiming light pattern projection assembly that projects an aiming pattern.   C1. An indicia reading apparatus comprising:   

     an image data output system for outputting image data; 
     a light pattern projection assembly for projecting a light pattern; 
     a manual trigger having multiple states; 
     a first configuration and a second configuration; 
     wherein the indicia reading apparatus with the first configuration active is adapted to that the light pattern is projected and further so that the indicia reading apparatus is restricted from attempting to decode decodable indicia utilizing image data output by the image data output system; 
     wherein the indicia reading apparatus with the second configuration active is adapted so that the indicia reading apparatus is permitted to attempt to decode decodable indicia utilizing image data output by the image data output system; 
     wherein the indicia reading apparatus is adapted so that a user can control a transition of the indicia reading apparatus from the first configuration to the second configuration with use of the manual trigger.
     C2. The indicia reading apparatus of claim C1, wherein the indicia reading apparatus is adapted so that the light pattern projection assembly projects the light pattern on a continuously on basis with the first configuration active.   C3. The indicia reading apparatus of claim C1, wherein the indicia reading apparatus is adapted so that the light pattern projection assembly projects the light pattern on a cycled on and off basis with the first configuration active.   C4. The indicia reading apparatus of claim C1, wherein with the second configuration active the indicia reading apparatus is further adapted to project the light pattern.   C5. The indicia reading apparatus of claim C1, wherein the image data output system includes a laser scanning assembly.   C6. The indicia reading apparatus of claim C1, wherein the image data output system includes an image sensor array.   C7. The indicia reading apparatus of claim C1, wherein the image data output system includes a laser scanning assembly, and wherein the light pattern is a scanned laser line projected by the laser scanning assembly.   C8. The indicia reading apparatus of claim C1, wherein the image data output system includes a laser scanning assembly, and wherein the light pattern is a light pattern projected by a light pattern projection assembly external to the laser scanning assembly.   

     While the present invention has been described with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the true spirit and scope of the invention should be determined only with respect to claims that can be supported by the present specification. Further, while in numerous cases herein wherein systems and apparatuses and methods are described as having a certain number of elements it will be understood that such systems, apparatuses and methods can be practiced with fewer than or greater than the mentioned certain number of elements. Also, while a number of particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood that features and aspects that have been described with reference to each particular embodiment can be used with each remaining particularly described embodiment.