Patent Publication Number: US-9424453-B2

Title: Indicia reading terminal with color frame processing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/021,814 for an Indicia Reading Terminal with Color Frame Processing filed Sep. 9, 2013 (and published Jan. 29, 2015 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0028102), now U.S. Pat. No. 9,129,172, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/217,139 for an Optical Indicia Reading Terminal with Color Image Sensor filed Aug. 24, 2011 (and published Feb. 28, 2013 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0048727). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/021,814 also claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/164,660 for an Indicia Reading Terminal with Color Frame Processing filed Jun. 20, 2011 (and published Dec. 20, 2012 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0318870), now U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,200. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/187,485 for an Indicia Reading Terminal with Color Frame Processing filed Feb. 24, 2015 (and published Jun. 12, 2014 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0160329), now U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,875, also claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/164,660. Each of the foregoing patent applications, patent publications, and patents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to indicia reading terminals in general and in particular to an optical based indicia reading terminal. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Indicia reading terminals are available in multiple varieties. The well known gun style reader as commonly seen at retail store checkout counters is typically available in a form devoid of a keyboard and display. Enhanced functioning indicia reading terminals having keyboards displays and advanced networking communication capabilities are also available. Typically, indicia reading terminals have triggers for activating decoding attempts. 
     Manufacturers of indicia reading terminals have incorporated image sensors having increased resolution (as measured in terms of numbers of pixels) into their indicia reading terminals. However, performance and cost disadvantages are introduced as a number of pixels of an image sensor is increased. As pixel size becomes smaller, a yielded signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) becomes lower potentially impacting decode performance as well as hand motion tolerance. Also, as a number of pixels increases, memory bandwidth overhead increases. 
     [The following is an excerpt from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/217,139] 
     Indicia reading terminals are available in multiple varieties. The well known gun style reader as commonly seen at retail store checkout counters is typically available in a form devoid of a keyboard and display. Enhanced functioning indicia reading terminals having keyboards, displays, and advanced networking communication capabilities are also available. Typically, indicia reading terminals have triggers or buttons for activating decoding attempts. Some indicia reading terminals employ color image sensors. 
     [End of excerpt from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/217,139] 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, there is provided an indicia reading terminal comprising an image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional image sensor, a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor, and an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The two-dimensional image sensor can include a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns. Each pattern can include at least one pixel sensitive in a first spectrum region, at least one pixel sensitive in a second spectrum region, and at least one pixel sensitive in a third spectrum region. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to capture a frame of image data by reading out a plurality of analog signals. Each read out analog signal can be representative of light incident on a group of two or more pixels of the plurality of pixels. Each group of two or more pixels can include a pixel sensitive in the first spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in the third spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in the second spectrum region, a pixel sensitive in the first spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in the second spectrum region, or a pixel sensitive in the second spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in the third spectrum region. The image sensor integrated circuit can be further configured to convert the plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals and to store the plurality of digital signals in a memory. The indicia reading terminal can be operative to process the frame of image data for attempting to decode for decodable indicia. 
     In another embodiment, there is provided an indicia reading terminal comprising an image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional image sensor, a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor, and an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The two-dimensional image sensor can include a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns. Each pattern can include at least one pixel sensitive in a first spectrum region, at least one pixel sensitive in a second spectrum region, and at least one pixel sensitive in a third spectrum region. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to capture a frame of image data by reading out a plurality of analog signals. Each read out analog signal can be representative of light incident on a pixel of the plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be further configured to convert the plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals and to store the plurality of digital signals in a memory. The indicia reading terminal can be configured to convert digital signals representative of pixel values of a group of two or more pixels into a single digital pixel value. Each group of two or more pixels can include a pixel sensitive in the first spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in the third spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in the second spectrum region, a pixel sensitive in the first spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in the second spectrum region, or a pixel sensitive in the second spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in the third spectrum region. The indicia reading terminal can be operative to process the frame of image data for attempting to decode for decodable indicia. 
    
    
     
       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  schematically illustrates a method of 2×2 color image binning described herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware platform for executing a method described herein; 
         FIG. 3 a    schematically illustrates a method of 2×2 color by averaging, in every Bayer pattern group, two signals representative of two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region; 
         FIG. 3 b    schematically illustrates a method of 2×2 color by summing, in every Bayer pattern group, two signals representative of two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region; 
         FIG. 3 c    schematically illustrates a method of 2×2 color by summing, in every Bayer pattern group, three signals representative of light incident on three pixels sensitive, respectively, in red, green and blue spectrum regions; 
         FIG. 3 d    schematically illustrates a method of 2×2 color by producing, in every Bayer pattern group, a signal representative of the pixel sensitive in the red spectrum region; 
         FIG. 3 e    schematically illustrates a method of 2×2 color by producing, in every Bayer pattern group, a signal representative of the pixel sensitive in the red spectrum region; 
         FIGS. 4 a , 4 b    illustrate binning operations that can be performed by an indicia reading terminal on a captured image frame; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating windowing operations that can be performed by an indicia reading terminal; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating field of view size of an exemplary indicia reading terminal wherein a field of view encompasses a larger area of a target substrate at longer range terminal to target distances, and where a pixel/mil (or pixel/inch) resolution of a representation of a same sized decodable indicia is lower at longer distances; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of an imaging module carrying a subset of circuits as shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an assembled perspective view of the imaging module as shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a hand held indicia reading terminal incorporating an imaging module as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a timing diagram illustrating a timing of various operations that can be carried out by an indicia reading terminal. 
       [The following is an excerpt from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/217,139 with Figure numbers changed to avoid duplication] 
         FIG. 11  schematically illustrates one embodiment of an optical indicia reading terminal; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the optical indicia reading terminal; 
         FIGS. 13 a -13 c    illustrate the functioning of several embodiments of an image data extracting module; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of an imaging module carrying a subset of circuits as shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an assembled perspective view of the imaging module as shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a hand held indicia reading terminal incorporating an imaging module as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
       [End of excerpt from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/217,139] 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     There is provided an indicia reading terminal equipped with a two-dimensional color image sensor. The associated image sensor circuitry can be configured to read out analog signals representative of light incident on an image sensor pixel. The image sensor readout pattern can be designed to achieve various effects. In one embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can perform frame binning by combining charges from a group of pixels in order to increase the frame readout rate and to improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). 
     In a further aspect, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to read out analog signals in such a way that each analog signal would be representative of light incident on a group of two or more pixels. In one embodiment, the group of two or more pixels can comprise 2×2 adjacent pixels, and the image sensor integrated circuit can perform 2×2 binning as schematically shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In one embodiment, a color image sensor  102  can comprise a plurality of pixels  104   a - 104   z . In a further aspect, the pixels  104   a - 104   z  can be arranged in Bayer patterns  106  comprising one pixel sensitive in the red spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region, and one pixel sensitive in the blue spectrum region, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal  108  out of every Bayer pattern group  106  by averaging two analog signals associated with two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. In another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal  108  out of every Bayer pattern group  106  by summing two analog signals associated with two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. In a yet another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal  108  out of every Bayer pattern group  106  by summing three analog signals representative of light incident on three pixels sensitive, respectively, in red, green, and blue spectrum regions. In a yet another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal  108  out of every Bayer pattern group  106  equal to the analog signal representative of the pixel sensitive in the red or blue spectrum region. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other methods of producing a single analog signal representative of a group of four or more pixels are within the scope of the invention. 
     In a further aspect, the output frame can be a monochrome frame, with the resolution equal to ½ of full frame for 2×2 binning. As noted herein supra, the read-out process performed by an indicia reading terminal according to the invention allows to decrease frame readout rate and to increase SNR. 
     In another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to read out the full frame, and frame binning can then be performed in the digital domain, by processing digital values representative of the read out analog signals. 
     An exemplary hardware platform for carrying out the described method is shown and described with reference to the block diagram of  FIG. 2 . Indicia reading terminal  1000  can include an image sensor  1032  comprising a multiple pixel image sensor  1033  having pixels arranged in rows and columns, associated column circuitry  1034 , and row circuitry  1035 . In one embodiment, the image sensor  1033  can be provided by a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. In another embodiment, the image sensor can be provided by a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other types of image sensors are within the scope of the invention. 
     Associated with the image sensor  1032  can be amplifier circuitry  1036 , and an analog to digital converter  1037  which converts image information in the form of analog signals read out of image sensor  1033  into image information in the form of digital signals. Image sensor  1032  can also have an associated timing and control circuit  1038  for use in controlling e.g., the exposure period of image sensor  1032 , gain applied to the amplifier circuitry  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 be provided by a Micron MT9P031 image sensor having a 2592×1944 pixel image sensor. 
     In another aspect, the image sensor  1032  can be provided by a color image sensor. In one embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit  1040  can incorporate a Bayer pattern filter array (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), which is a color filter array that passes red, green, or blue light to selected pixel sensors of the image sensor  1033 , thus forming interlaced grids which are sensitive to red, green, and blue light. The analog signals read out from the image sensor with a Bayer patter filter can produce a color image frame. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other types of color image sensors are within the scope of the invention. 
     The indicia reading terminal  1000  can be configured to read out analog signals representative of light incident on one or more pixels. The read out analog signals can be amplified by the analog signal amplifier  1036 . The analog signals can then be fed to the input of the ADC  1037 . The resulting digital values representative of the analog signals can be stored in a system memory such as RAM  1080 . Image frame data stored in RAM  1080  can be in the form of multibit pixel values, with each multibit pixel value representing light incident on a pixel of image sensor  1033 . A memory  1085  of terminal  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. 
     The indicia reading terminal  1000  can include a direct memory access unit (DMA)  1070  for routing image information read out from image sensor  1032  that has been subject to conversion and storage to RAM  1080 . In another embodiment, terminal  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. 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  can be provided. 
     In another aspect, the indicia reading terminal  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. 
     In another aspect, the indicia reading terminal  1000  can include a variable focus imaging lens  1110  for use in focusing an image of a decodable indicia located within a field of view  140  on a substrate  50  onto image sensor  1033 . Imaging light rays can be transmitted about imaging axis  25 . Variable focus imaging lens  1110  can be adapted to be capable of multiple best focus distances and multiple focal lengths. Variable focus imaging lens  1110  can be operative to provide a new best focus distance and/or focal length within a fraction of a frame time in response to an applied input control signal being applied to the variable focus imaging lens  1110 . In one embodiment, the variable focus imaging lens  1110  can be provided by a deformable imaging lens, e.g., a deformable fluid lens or gel lens. In another embodiment, the variable focus imaging lens  1110  can be provided by a non-deformable fluid lens, e.g., an electrowetting liquid lens wherein the surface tension of one or more volumes of lens liquid changes in response to a signal being applied to the lens, or a liquid crystal type lens wherein indices of refraction of one or more volumes of lens fluid change in response to a signal being applied to the lens. 
     The indicia reading terminal  1000  can also include an illumination pattern light source bank  1204  for use in generating an illumination pattern  60  substantially corresponding to a field of view  140  of terminal  1000  and an aiming pattern light source bank  1208  for use in generating an aiming pattern  70  on substrate  50 . Shaping optics  1205  and  1209  can be provided for shaping light from bank  1204  and bank  1208  into pattern  60  and into pattern  70  respectively. In use, terminal  1000  can be oriented by an operator with respect to a substrate  50  bearing decodable indicia  15  in such manner that aiming pattern  70  is projected on a decodable indicia  15 . In the example of  FIG. 2 , decodable indicia  15  is provided by a 1D bar code symbol. Decodable indicia could also be provided by 2D bar code symbols 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. Variable focus imaging lens  1110  can be controlled with use of focus control module  30  and the illumination assembly comprising illumination pattern light source bank  1204  and aiming pattern light source bank  1208  can be controlled with use of illumination assembly control module  1220 . Focus control module  30  can send signals to variable focus imaging lens  1110  e.g., for changing a best focus distance and/or a focal length of variable focus imaging lens  1110 . Illumination assembly control module  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 . 
     In one example, the indicia reading terminal  1000  can be adapted so that illumination assembly control module  1220  controls light source bank  1204  to have a relatively lower level of illumination output when the best focus distance of imaging lens  1110  is set to a first shorter best focus distance, and a relatively higher level of illumination output when the best focus distance of imaging lens  1110  is set at a longer best focus distance. Such variable illumination settings can be varied within a time that trigger signal  502  remains active. The variable illumination level settings can be synchronized to the certain lens settings set forth in connection with the various configurations described herein infra. 
     The indicia reading terminal  1000  can also include a number of peripheral devices, e.g., a display  1304  for displaying such information as captured image frames, keyboard  1404 , pointing device  1406 , and trigger  1408  which may be used to make active a trigger signal  502  for activating frame readout and/or certain decoding processes. The indicia reading terminal  1000  can be adapted so that activation of trigger  1408  activates trigger signal  502  and initiates a decode attempt. 
     The indicia reading terminal  1000  can also include various interface circuits for coupling the peripheral devices to system address/data bus (system bus)  1500 , for communication with CPU  1060  which can also be coupled to system bus  1500 . The indicia reading terminal  1000  can include circuit  1026  for coupling image sensor timing and control circuit  1038  to system bus  1500 , interface circuit  1118  for coupling focus control module  30  to system bus  1500 , interface circuit  1218  for coupling illumination control assembly  1220  to system bus  1500 , interface circuit  1302  for coupling display  1304  to system bus  1500 , and interface circuit  1402  for coupling keyboard  1404 , pointing device  1406 , and trigger  1408  to system bus  1500 . 
     In a further aspect, the indicia reading terminal  1000  can include one or more I/O interfaces  1604 ,  1608  for providing communications with external devices (e.g., a cash register server, a store server, an inventory facility server, a peer terminal  1000 , a local area network base station, or a cellular base station). I/O interfaces  1604 ,  1608  can be interfaces of any combination of known computer interfaces, e.g., Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), USB, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, CDMA, and GSM. 
     In a further aspect, the indicia reading terminal  1000  can include a binning module  1028  configured to control the multiple pixel image sensor  1033 , associated column circuitry  1034  and row circuitry  1035  in order to modify the readout pattern. In one embodiment, the binning module  1028  can be provided by a dedicated circuitry. In another embodiment, the designation of the binning module  1028  can be pure functional, and the column circuitry  1034  and row circuitry  1035  can be configured to control the readout pattern. In a yet another embodiment, the readout pattern can be controlled by other components of image sensor integrated circuit  1040 . 
     In operation, the light falling on the surface of the image sensor (e.g., provided by a CCD image sensor), can cause accumulation of charge in each pixel. Once the exposure is complete, the charge can be read out, and then the analog signals representative of pixel charge can be digitized by an ADC. 
     As noted herein supra, the image sensor integrated circuit can in one embodiment perform frame binning by combining charges from a group of pixels in order to increase the frame readout rate and to improve signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio. 
     In one embodiment, the group of pixels can comprise 2×2 adjacent pixels, and the image sensor integrated circuit can perform 2×2 binning. In another embodiment, the group of pixels can comprise of N×N pixels, wherein N is a positive integer, and the image sensor integrated circuit can perform N×N binning. In a yet another embodiment, the group of pixels can comprise M×N pixels, wherein M and N are positive integers. 
     In one embodiment, the pixels composing a binning group can be adjacent to each other. In another embodiment, a binning group can comprise a non-adjacent pictures (e.g., by skipping a pre-defined numbers of pixels). 
     In one embodiment, the read-out process can comprise: (i) transferring charges from several pixels in a given row to a readout register, followed by (ii) shifting each pixel charge from the readout register to an analog amplifier. In one embodiment, step (i) can transfer charges from entire row of pixels. In another embodiment, step (i) can transfer charges of a subset of a row represented by several adjacent pixels. In a yet another embodiment, step (i) can transfer charges of a subset of a row represented by several non-adjacent pixels. 
     Frame binning can be performed by repeating step (i) of transferring charges from several pixels in a next row before shifting pixels charges from the readout register to the analog amplifier. Thus, the readout register would contain a sum of charges of two or more pixels from several rows. To sum the charges of two or more pixels from several columns, step (ii) of shifting pixel charge from readout register to the analog amplifier can be repeated. The degree of binning (M and N as defined above) can be controlled by the number of repetitions of step (i) and (ii). In one embodiment, the charge averaging can be performed by dividing the total charge by the degree of binning. The above described binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame. 
     In one embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every group of two or more pixels by averaging the analog signals associated with the pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 a   , the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every Bayer pattern group by averaging two analog signals associated with two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  302  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  304  by averaging two analog signals G 1  and G 2  representative of two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region: P=(G 1 +G 2 )/2. In a further aspect, for N×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=(G 1 +G 2 + . . . G N )/N. In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=(G 1 +G 2 + . . . G K )/K, wherein Gi are analog signals representative of the pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. The above described analog binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every group of two or more pixels by summing the analog signals associated with the pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 b   , the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every Bayer pattern group by summing two analog signals associated with two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  306  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  308  by summing two analog signals G 1  and G 2  representative of two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region: P=(G 1 +G 2 ). In a further aspect, for N×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=G 1 +G 2 + . . . G N . In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=G 1 +G 2 + . . . G K , wherein Gi are analog signals representative of the pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. The above described analog binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every group of two or more pixels by summing the analog signals representative of light incident on the pixels sensitive, respectively, in red, green and blue spectrum regions. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 c   , the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every Bayer pattern group by summing three analog signals representative of light incident on three pixels sensitive, respectively, in red, green, and blue spectrum regions, as schematically shown in  FIG. 3 c   . According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  310  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  312  by summing three analog signals R, G, and B: P=k 1 *R+k 2 *G+k 3 *B, wherein k 1 , k 2 , k 3  are the weight coefficients so that k 1 +k 2 +k 3 =1. In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=Σk 1 *R+Σk 2 *G+Σk 3 *B wherein each summing operation is performed for all pixels in the group which are sensitive in a given spectrum region. The above described analog binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every group of two or more pixels, the analog signal being equal to the sum of analog signals representative of the pixels sensitive in the red spectrum region. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 d   , the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every Bayer pattern group equal to the analog signal representative of the pixel sensitive in the red spectrum region, as schematically shown in  FIG. 3 d   . According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  314  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  316  by producing an analog signal equal to the analog signal representative of the pixel sensitive in the red spectrum region: P=R. In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=Σk 1 *R wherein the summing operation is performed for all pixels in the group which are sensitive in the red spectrum region. The above described analog binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every group of two or more pixels, the analog signal being equal to the sum of analog signals representative of the pixels sensitive in the blue spectrum region. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 e   , the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every Bayer pattern group equal to the analog signal representative of the pixel sensitive in the blue spectrum region. According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  318  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  320  by producing an analog signal equal to the analog signal representative of the pixel sensitive in the blue spectrum region: P=B. In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=Σk 1 *B wherein the summing operation is performed for all pixels in the group which are sensitive in the blue spectrum region. The above described analog binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to produce a single analog signal out of every group of two or more pixels, the analog signal being equal to the average of analog signals representative of the N×M neighboring pixels, by sliding an N×M binning window over the array of pixels with the offset of one pixel at every step of the method. Thus, any two groups of N×M neighboring pixels used by the method can overlap by N*(M−1) pixels. 
     In an illustrative 2×2 binning embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 4 b   , the pixel value P xy  at row=x and column=y can be produced as follows:
 
 P   xy =( P   xy   ,P   x,y+1   ,P   x+1,y   ,P   x+1,y+1 )/4
 
     According to the embodiment, a source color image  520  having a dimension of K×L pixels can be converted into a binned monochrome image  530  having a dimension of (K−1)×(L−1) pixels by sliding a 2×2 binning window over the array of pixels with the offset of one pixel at every step of the method. The above described analog 2×2 binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   b.    
     In a further aspect, for N×M binning, a source color image having a dimension of K×L pixels can be converted into a binned monochrome image having a dimension of (K−1)×(L−1) pixels by sliding a N×M binning window over the array of pixels with the offset of one pixel at every step of the method. Thus, in an illustrative N×M binning embodiment, the pixel value P xy  at row=x and column=y can be produced as follows:
 
 P   xy =(Σ P   ij )/( N*M ), wherein  i=x, . . . , x+N− 1,  j=y, . . . , y+M− 1
 
     The above described analog N×M binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame. 
     In a further aspect, the binned monochrome image having a dimension of (K−1)×(L−1) pixels can be further N×M binned to generate a resulting monochrome image having a dimension of (K−1)×(L−1)/(N*M). 
     A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other methods of producing a single analog signal representative of a group of two or more pixels are within the scope of the invention. 
     In a further aspect, the resulting binned frame can be a monochrome frame, which can be suitable for decoding for decodable indicia. In a further aspect, the resolution of the output frame after N×N binning can be equal to 1/N of the image sensor resolution. Hence, the frame readout rate with N×N analog binning can be 1/N of the full frame readout rate. In a further aspect, a binned frame features a reduced noise level and therefore a higher SNR than an unbinned frame. Thus, binning a color image frame can be advantageous for applications which do not require color information. For example, in decoding applications, a higher SNR provides a higher decode success rate and permits successful decodes in environments of lower illumination. 
     In another embodiment, the image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to read out the full frame or a subset of the full frame comprising a rectangular group of adjacent pixels. The read out analog signals can be amplified by the analog signal amplifier  1036  of  FIG. 2 . The analog signals can then be fed to the input of the ADC  1037  of  FIG. 2 . The resulting digital values representative of the analog signals can be stored in a system memory such as RAM  1080  of  FIG. 2 . Image frame data stored in RAM  1080  can be in the form of multibit pixel values, with each multibit pixel value representing light incident on a pixel of image sensor  1033  of  FIG. 2 . Then, the frame binning can be performed in the digital domain, by the CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  processing digital values representative of the read out analog signals. 
     In another embodiment, the CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of a group of two or more pixels by averaging the digital values representative of the pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 a   , a Bayer pattern group  302  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  304  by averaging two digital values G 1  and G 2  representative of two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region: P=(G 1 +G 2 )/2. In a further aspect, in a method of N×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=(G 1 +G 2 + . . . G N )/N. In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=(G 1 +G 2 + . . . G K )/K, wherein Gi are digital values of the pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. The above described digital binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, the CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of a group of two or more pixels by summing the digital values representative of the pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 b   , a Bayer pattern group can be represented by a sum of digital values representative of two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region, as schematically shown in  FIG. 3 b   . According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  306  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  308  by summing two digital values G 1  and G 2  representative of two pixels sensitive in the green spectrum region: P=(G 1 +G 2 ). In a further aspect, in a method of N×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=G 1 +G 2 + . . . G N . The above described digital binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of a group of two or more pixels by summing three digital values representative of light incident on three pixels sensitive, respectively, in red, green and blue spectrum regions. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 c   , CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of pixels composing a Bayer pattern group by summing three digital values representative of light incident on three pixels sensitive, respectively, in red, green, and blue spectrum regions, as schematically shown in  FIG. 3 c   . According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  310  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  312  by summing three digital values R, G, and B: P=k 1 *R+k 2 *G+k 3 *B, wherein k 1 , k 2 , k 3  are the weight coefficients so that k 1 +k 2 +k 3 =1. In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=Σk 1 *R+Σk 2 *G+Σk 3 *B wherein each summing operation is performed for all pixels in the group which are sensitive in a given spectrum region. The above described digital binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, the CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of a group of two or more pixels equal to the digital value representative of the pixel sensitive in the red spectrum region. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 d   , the CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of pixels composing a Bayer pattern group equal to the digital value representative of the pixel sensitive in the red spectrum region, as schematically shown in  FIG. 3 d   . According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  314  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  316  represented by a digital value equal to the digital value representative of the pixel sensitive in the red spectrum region: P=R. In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=Σk 1 *R wherein the summing operation is performed for all pixels in the group which are sensitive in the red spectrum region. The above described digital binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, the CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of a group of two or more pixels equal to the digital value representative of the pixel sensitive in the blue spectrum region. In an illustrative embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 3 e   , the CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of pixels composing a Bayer pattern group equal to the digital value representative of the pixel sensitive in the blue spectrum region, as schematically shown in  FIG. 3 e   . According to the embodiment, a Bayer pattern group  318  can be represented by a single monochrome pixel  320  represented by a digital value equal to the digital value representative of the pixel sensitive in the blue spectrum region: P=B. In a further aspect, for M×N binning, the resulting monochrome pixels can be calculated as P=Σk 1 *B wherein the summing operation is performed for all pixels in the group which are sensitive in the blue spectrum region. The above described digital binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
     In a yet another embodiment, the CPU  1060  of  FIG. 2  can be configured to produce a single digital value representative of a group of two or more pixels equal to the digital value representative of the N×M neighboring pixels, by sliding an N×M binning window over the array of pixels with the offset of one pixel at every step of the method. Thus, any two groups of N×M neighboring pixels used by the method can overlap by N*(M−1) pixels. 
     In an illustrative 2×2 binning embodiment schematically shown in  FIG. 4 b   , the pixel value P xy  at row=x and column=y can be produced as follows:
 
 P   xy =( P   xy   ,P   x,y+1   ,P   x+1,y   ,P   x+1,y+1 )/4
 
     According to the embodiment, a source color image  520  having a dimension of K×L pixels can be converted into a binned monochrome image  530  having a dimension of (K−1)×(L−1) pixels by sliding a 2×2 binning window over the array of pixels with the offset of one pixel at every step of the method. The above described digital 2×2 binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame, as schematically shown in  FIG. 4   b.    
     In a further aspect, for N×M binning, a source color image having a dimension of K×L pixels can be converted into a binned monochrome image having a dimension of (K−1)×(L−1) pixels by sliding a N×M binning window over the array of pixels with the offset of one pixel at every step of the method. Thus, in an illustrative N×M binning embodiment, the pixel value P xy  at row=x and column=y can be produced as follows:
 
 P   xy =(Σ P   ij )/( N*M ), wherein  i=x, . . . , x+N− 1,  j=y, . . . , y+M− 1
 
     The above described digital N×M binning process can be repeated for all pixels composing an image frame. 
     In a further aspect, the binned monochrome image having a dimension of (K−1)×(L−1) pixels can be further N×M binned to generate a resulting monochrome image having a dimension of (K−1)×(L−1)/(N*M). 
     A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other methods of producing a single digital value representative of a group of two or more pixels are within the scope of the invention. 
     In a further aspect, the resulting digitally binned frame can be a monochrome frame, which can be suitable for decoding for decodable indicia. In a further aspect, the resolution of the output frame after N×N binning can be equal to 1/N of the image sensor resolution. Hence, the frame readout rate with N×N analog binning can be 1/N of the full frame readout rate. In a further aspect, a binned frame features a reduced noise level and therefore a higher SNR than an unbinned frame. Thus, binning a color image frame can be advantageous for applications which do not require color information. For example, in decoding applications, a higher SNR provides a higher decode success rate and permits successful decodes in environments of lower illumination. 
     In another aspect, a binned frame can be based on image information corresponding to a block of pixel positions using a function other than simple summing or averaging. For example, indicia reading terminal  1000  can perform color to gray level binning utilizing white balance co-efficiencies to reduce the Moiré pattern effect. For example, binning process can be performed using the formula A=Cr*a 0 +Cg*(a 1 +a 2 )/2+Cb*a 3 , where Cr, Cg, and Cb are white balance coefficients. Such coefficients can be obtained locally or globally by e.g., white patch or gray world algorithm. 
     In another aspect, the indicia reading terminal  1000  can include windowing circuit  1029  incorporated as part of image sensor integrated circuit  1040 . In response to commands received from CPU  1060  via circuit  1026  and timing control circuit  1038 , windowing circuit  1029  can selectively address for read out a subset of pixels of image sensor  1033 . A windowed frame is further described with references to  FIG. 5 . Image sensor  1033  can include a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and columns of pixels as shown in  FIG. 5 . Terminal  1000  can be operated to read out a full frame of image data from image sensor  1033 . When reading out a full frame, terminal  1000  can read out image data corresponding to all or substantially all pixels of image sensor  1033  (e.g., from 80% to 100% of image sensory array  1033 ). When reading out a windowed frame of image data, terminal  1000  can read out image information corresponding to a subset of pixels of image sensor  1033 . In one example of a reading out of a windowed frame, terminal  1000  can read out image information corresponding to less than 80% of pixels of image sensor  1033 . In another example of a reading out of a windowed frame, terminal  1000  can read out image information corresponding to less than 50% of pixels of image sensor  1033 . In another example of a reading out of windowed frame, terminal can  1000  read out image information corresponding to less than ⅓ of the pixels of image sensor  1033 . In another example of a reading out of windowed frame, terminal  1000  can read out image information corresponding to less than 25% of pixels of image sensor  1033 . In another example of a reading out of windowed frame, terminal  1000  can read out image data corresponding to less than 10% of pixels of image sensor  1033 . 
     A particular example of a windowed frame read out is described with reference to  FIG. 5 . A windowed frame can comprise a continuous group of positionally adjacent pixels. A continuous group of pixels can be provided where a group comprises each or essentially each pixel within a border defined by border pixels of a group. A group of pixels can also have a group of pixels including border pixels defining a border and skipped pixels within the border e.g., every other or every third pixel with the border can be skipped. Group of pixels  1502  in the example of  FIG. 5  are pixels of image sensor  1033  that are selectively addressed for read out of a windowed frame. The group of pixels  1502  in the example of  FIG. 5  is shown as including a continuous group of K×L, K&gt;5, L&gt;5 array of positionally adjacent pixels selectively addressed from image sensor  1033  having M×N pixels. A group of pixels for subjecting to read out of a windowed frame could also comprise a continuous group of K−1, L&gt;5 array of pixels where the group of pixels are positionally adjacent such that each pixel position is positionally adjacent to at least one other pixel position of the group. Windowing circuit  1029  can be controlled to dynamically vary a window size between successive frames. It will be seen that a windowed frame at a certain terminal to target distance and lens setting can represent indicia within a defined area of a target substrate that is relatively smaller than a defined area within which indicia would be represented by a frame representing each pixel of image sensor  1033 . 
     When a windowed frame of image information is read out and stored in a memory in the form of digital image data, an image representation is provided having a number of pixel positions that is reduced relative to that of an image representation corresponding to a full frame. Windowed frame of image data  1504  as illustrated in  FIG. 5  can have a number of pixel positions corresponding to the number of pixels of group of pixels  1502  selectively addressed for read out of a windowed frame. As noted herein supra, image information read out from image sensor  1033  can be amplified by amplifier circuitry  1036  and then subject to conversion by analog to digital converter  1037  and then subject to storage into RAM  1080 . Stored image data stored into RAM  1080  can be in the form of multibit pixel values. Windowed frame  1504  when stored in memory  1085  where it can be addressed for processing by CPU  1060  can comprise a plurality of pixel positions corresponding to the K×L array of pixels subject to selective addressing and selective read out, and each pixel position can have associated therewith a multibit pixel value representing light incident at the pixel having the corresponding pixel position of image sensor  1033 . 
     Windowed frame  1504  can be captured in less time than a full frame. Accordingly, when terminal  1000  switches from capture of a full frame to a windowed frame, a frame rate can increase and a frame capture time can decrease. As the number of pixel positions is reduced relative to that of a full frame, a memory overhead bandwidth for storage of windowed frame  1504  can be reduced. Referring again to  FIG. 5 , it is seen that windowed frame  1504  can still be of sufficient size to include a complete representation of decodable indicia  15  where group of pixels  1502  is at a center of an image sensor as shown in  FIG. 5 , where indicia  15  is centered at a full frame field of view of terminal  1000  and where indicia  15  is at a sufficient distance from terminal  1000 . With aiming pattern generator comprising elements  1208 ,  1209  adapted to project aiming pattern  70  at a horizontally extending centerline of a field of view  140 , terminal  1000  can easily be located so that a portion of a field of view corresponding to group of pixels  1502  is centered on indicia  15 . 
     In one embodiment, terminal  1000  can be configured to combine windowing and binning processes. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the frame  1506  can represent the result of 2×2 binning applied to the windowed frame  1504 . In one embodiment, the windowed frame  1504  can be subjected to the analog binning process described herein supra. In another embodiment, the windowed frame  1504  can be subjected to the digital binning process described herein supra. The resulting frame  1506  has the resolution of ½ of the full frame resolution, thus further reducing the readout time and SNR as compared to both full frame  1033  and  1504 . 
     Terminal  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 capture time (frame period) of 16.6 ms. Another typical frame rate is 30 frames per second (FPS) which translates to a frame capture time (frame period) of 33.3 ms per frame. A frame rate can increase (and frame time decrease) where a captured frame is a binned frame or a windowed frame. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a surface area encompassed by a field of view of the indicia reading terminal  1000  can expand at longer reading distances. Thus at a relatively shorter terminal to target distance, d 1 , a decodable indicia  15  of a given physical size area will consume a larger portion of a field of view  140  as compared to field of view  140  at a relatively longer terminal to target distance, d 2 . In one embodiment, terminal  1000  can be operative to process one or more of binned frames of image data and to capture windowed frames of image data. Binned frames can be particularly advantageous for use in decoding of decodable indicia at shorter range terminal to target distances. At relatively shorter terminal to target distances, pixel resolution is less significant a factor in determining decoding speed or likelihood of decoding. Also, as binned frames comprise a smaller number of pixel positions than unbinned frames representing the same area in physical space, binned frames reduce memory bandwidth overhead. On the other hand, use of windowed frames can be particularly useful for decoding of frames of image data at longer terminal to target distances. Windowed frames can be captured more rapidly than standard size frames. As frames captured at longer terminal to target distances can be expected to have a large amount of extraneous image data not representing a decodable indicia outside the area of the windowed frame, windowing at longer terminal to target distances can reduce image capture time without reducing a likelihood of a successful decode. Also, as windowed frames include fewer pixel values than full frames, windowed frames reduce memory bandwidth overhead. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an imaging module  300  for supporting components of terminal  1000  can include image sensor integrated circuit  1040  disposed on a printed circuit board  1802  together with illumination pattern light source bank  1204  and aiming pattern light source bank  1208  each shown as being provided by a single light source. Imaging module  300  can also include containment  1806  for image sensor integrated circuit  1040 , and housing  1810  for housing imaging lens  1110 . Imaging module  300  can also include optical plate  1814  having optics for shaping light from bank  1204  and bank  1208  into predetermined patterns. Imaging module  300  can be disposed in a hand held housing  11 , an example of which is shown in  FIG. 9 . Disposed on hand held housing  11  can be display  1304 , trigger  1408 , pointing device  1406 , and keyboard  1404 . 
     An example of an indicia reading terminal  1000  operating in accordance with described processing is described with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 10 . Referring to the timing diagram of  FIG. 10 , signal  502  is a trigger signal. Terminal  1000  can be operative so that trigger signal  502  is made active responsively to trigger  1408  being actuated and further so that trigger signal  502  remains active until the earlier of trigger  1408  being released or a predetermined number of a decodable indicia (e.g., 1) being successfully decoded and output. A decoded message corresponding to an encoded indicia that has been decoded can be output e.g., by storage of the message into a non-volatile memory, e.g., memory  1084  and/or display of the decoded message on display  1304  and/or transmitting the decoded message to an external CPU-equipped terminal e.g., a locally networked personal computer or a remote server. Exposure control signal  510  can be always active or else as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , terminal  1000  can be operative so that exposure control signal  510  is made active responsively to a trigger signal  502  being made active. During each exposure period e.g., period e 0 , e 1 , e 2  . . . pixels of image sensor  1033  can be exposed to light focused on image sensor  1033  by variable focus imaging lens  1110 . Terminal  1000  can be operative so that after application of each exposure period e 0 , e 1 , e 2  . . . a readout control pulse can be applied to image sensor  1032  for readout of voltages corresponding to charges accumulated on pixels of image sensor  1033  during the preceding exposure period. A readout control signal  512  can comprise a series of readout control pulses as indicated in the timing diagram of  FIG. 10 . Subsequent to a readout control pulse, image information in the form of voltages can be amplified by amplifier circuitry  1036 , converted into digital format by analog to digital converter  1037 , and the converted image data can be routed by DMA unit  1070  for storage into memory  1080  which can be addressable by CPU  1060 . It is seen from the timing diagram of  FIG. 10  that subsequent to activation of trigger signal  502  a succession of frames can be successively stored into memory  1080  where the frames are addressable for processing by CPU  1060 . Terminal  1000  can be operative so that memory  1080  buffers a limited and predetermined number of frames successfully stored therein, and discards old frames after storage of a predetermined number of succeeding frames. 
     Referring to further aspects of an exemplary indicia reading terminal, time plot  514  illustrates focus adjustment periods of variable focus imaging lens  1110 . It has been described that variable focus imaging lens  1110  can have multiple focus positions. In one example, variable focus imaging lens  1110  can have a shorter range focus position defining a plane of optical focus at first shorter terminal to target distance, a longer range focus position defining a plane of optical focus at a distance longer than the shorter range focus distance and can have an intermediate range focus distance being a focus distance between the shorter and the longer focus distance. In various embodiments, it can be advantageous to vary a focus distance of variable focus imaging lens  1110 . In the example described with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 9 , a focus distance of variable focus imaging lens  1110  can be varied during a time that trigger signal  502  remains active. In an aspect illustrated with reference to  FIG. 10 , adjustment periods, e.g., periods m 0 , m 1 , m 2  . . . are coordinated with exposure periods of image sensor  1033 . With reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 10 , adjustment periods m 0 , m 1 , m 2  . . . of variable focus imaging lens  1110  can be timed to coincide with periods that are intermediate of exposure periods e.g., e 0 , e 1 , e 2  . . . in such manner that exposure is avoided during times at which focus and possibly focal length characteristics of variable focus imaging lens  1110  are in a changing state. Frames exposed during an adjustment period can be expected to be blurred or otherwise disregarded. Accordingly, avoiding exposure during such periods can be advantageous. In the example of  FIG. 10 , variable focus imaging lens  1110  is subject to adjustment intermediate every exposure period during an activation period of trigger signal  502 . However, it is understood that a focus position and a fixed length of variable focus imaging lens  1110  can remain constant through a succession of exposure periods. Variable focus imaging lens  1110  can be selected to be of a type in which focus position and focal length can be changed within a short time period, e.g., less than 10 ms. Where variable focus imaging lens  1110  is a deformable lens, adjustment of optical properties of the lens (e.g. focal length and therefore focal distance) can result from force being applied to the surface of the lens to change a concavity thereof. Where variable focus imaging lens  1110  is a liquid crystal lens, an adjustment of variable focus imaging lens  1110  can result from applying an electrical signal to variable focus imaging lens  1110  to change indices of refraction of the lens and therefore the focal length and focal distance of the lens. 
     Referring to the time plots  516  and  518  of the timing diagram of  FIG. 10 , CPU  1060  can subject each frame of a succession of frames to preliminary processing and can subject a subset of the succession of frames to decoding processing for attempting to decode a frame of image data. Time plot  516  illustrates times for preliminary processing of frames for CPU  1060 . 
     During preliminary processing periods p 0 , p 1 , p 2  . . . CPU  1060  can preliminarily evaluate each frame of a succession of frames. Such preliminary processing can include e.g., detecting a quality of a frame based on average white level or a quality of a frame based on another criteria, incidence in sharpness of edges. Based on the result of the preliminary processing a subset of frames of a succession of frames can be subject to decoding processing for attempting to decode a decodable indicia represented in a frame. In the particular example of the timing diagram of  FIG. 10 , CPU  1060  can subject an initial frame, frame=frame 0  to decoding processing for period d 0 , can switch to decoding processing of frame=frame 2  during period d 2 , and can switch to decoding processing of frame=frame 4  during period d 4 . In the timing diagram of  FIG. 10 , the subscript indicates the frame number, e.g., exposure period e n-1  indicates the exposure period for frame=frame e n-1 , processing period p 1  indicates a preliminary processing for frame=frame 1  of a succession of frames, and decoding period, d 2 , indicates a decoding processing period for frame=frame 2  and so on. Terminal  1000  can be operative so that preliminary processing periods p 0 , p 1 , p 2  . . . are restricted from consuming more than a predetermined time period, e.g., more than a predetermined fraction of time. In one embodiment, preliminary processing periods p 0 , p 1 , p 2  . . . can be restricted from consuming a time period of more than one half of a frame time, i.e., more than 8.3 ms where a frame time is 16.6 ms. 
     As noted herein supra, the indicia reading terminal  1000  can bin frames of image data either in the analog domain by activation of binning circuit  1028 , or in the digital domain, e.g., by CPU  1060  by way of processing of a stored frame. Where operative to bin frames in the digital domain by processing of a frame of image data stored in memory  1085 , CPU  1060  can be operative to provide a binned frame either as part of a preliminary processing of a frame during a period such as period p 0 , p 1 , p 2  . . . or as part of a decoding process such as during period d 0 , d 1 , d 2  . . . . 
     In another aspect, the processes of binning, windowing and focus control by the indicia reading terminal  1000  can be controlled in a coordinated manner for enhanced performance of the terminal  1000 . 
     Various possible configurations of terminal  1000  are described with reference to Table A. Terminal  1000  can be operative so that any one of the listed configurations can be made active by operator selection of a displayed button  1305  corresponding to the configuration. Terminal  1000  can be operative to display one button  1305  corresponding to each possible configuration. Table A describes aspects of frames subject to processing during a time that trigger signal  502  remains active according to each of several different configurations. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE A 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 CONFIG- 
                 FRAMES 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 URATION 
                 Frame 0   
                 Frame 1   
                 Frame 2   
                 Frame 3   
                 FRAME 4   
                 FRAME 5   
                 Frame 6   
                 Frame 7   
                 Frame 8   
                 Frame 9   
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
               
               
                   
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
               
               
                 B 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
               
               
                   
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
               
               
                 C 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Inter- 
                 Longer 
                 Longer 
                 Longer 
                 Longer 
                 Longer 
               
               
                   
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
                 mediate 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Windowed 
                 Windowed 
                 Windowed 
                 Windowed 
                 Windowed 
               
               
                 D 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Inter- 
                 Shorter 
                 Inter- 
                 Longer 
                 Inter- 
                 Shorter 
                 Inter- 
                 Longer 
                 Inter- 
                 Shorter 
               
               
                   
                 mediate 
                   
                 mediate 
                   
                 mediate 
                   
                 mediate 
                   
                 mediate 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 Normal 
                 Binned 
                 Normal 
                 Windowed 
                 Normal 
                 Binned 
                 Normal 
                 Windowed 
                 Normal 
                 Binned 
               
               
                 E 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
               
               
                   
                 Shorter 
                 Longer 
                 Shorter 
                 Longer 
                 Shorter 
                 Longer 
                 Shorter 
                 Longer 
                 Shorter 
                 Longer 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 Binned 
                 Windowed 
                 Binned 
                 Windowed 
                 Binned 
                 Windowed 
                 Binned 
                 Windowed 
                 Binned 
                 Windowed 
               
               
                 F 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Longer 
                 Longer 
                 Longer 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Longer 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Windowed 
                 Windowed 
                 Windowed 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Windowed 
               
               
                 G 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
               
               
                   
                 Longer 
                 Longer 
                 Longer 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
                 Normal 
               
               
                 H 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
                 Shorter 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 . . . 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
               
               
                 I 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
                 Focus 
               
               
                   
                 Even 
                 Shorter 
                 Inter- 
                 Longer 
                 Even 
                 Longer 
                 Inter- 
                 Shorter 
                 Even 
                 Shorter 
               
               
                   
                 Shorter 
                   
                 mediate 
                   
                 Longer 
                   
                 mediate 
                   
                 Shorter 
               
               
                   
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
                 Frame 
               
               
                   
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
                 Type 
               
               
                   
                 4 × 4 
                 2 × 2 
                 Normal 
                 2592 × 512 
                 1000 × 200 
                 2592 × 512 
                 Normal 
                 2 × 2 
                 4 × 4 
                 2 × 2 
               
               
                   
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                   
                 Window 
                 Window 
                 Window 
                   
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
                 Binned 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     When configuration A is active, terminal  1000  is operative to capture and process a succession of normal frames until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and then switch to processing of one or more binned frames. The term “normal frame” in reference to Table A refers to a frame that is neither binned nor windowed. A binned frame which may be provided by way of analog or digital binning explained herein supra. The predetermined condition can be e.g., a time out condition (e.g., decoding not being successful for a predetermined time from a time of trigger signal actuation). The predetermined condition can also be e.g., a sensed terminal to target distance or that the quality of a frame satisfies a predetermined criteria as measured by e.g., the summation of absolute values of the first derivative of a set of sample values at selected sampling areas of a frame. Terminal  1000  can be operative to sense a terminal to target distance utilizing an average white level of a frame of image data. Terminal  1000  can determine that the terminal is at a relatively shorter terminal to target distance when an average white level of a frame is above a predetermined threshold. The focus setting when configuration A is active does not change from frame to frame. Thus terminal  1000  can be operative in accordance with configuration A, even where imaging lens  1110  is not a variable focus lens but a fixed lens provided by a fixed focus imaging lens, devoid of a capacity to vary its defined focus distance or focal length. A binned frame can be captured at higher speeds than an unbinned frame. Hence, selection of configuration A and all configurations described herein featuring binned frames can speed up decoding operations. 
     Regarding configuration B, configuration B is like configuration A, except that in accordance with configuration B a switch to processing of a binned frame is timed with a certain focus setting of variable focus imaging lens  1110 . In configuration B, binning of frames can be conditionally carried out in response to satisfaction of one of the predetermined criteria as explained in connection with configuration A. However, in accordance with configuration A, a change in focus setting can result from a predetermined criteria being satisfied. In configuration B, terminal  1000  can be operative so that during an exposure period of a binned frame (which can be binned before or after being subject to storage) the variable focus imaging lens  1110  is set to a shorter focus setting. Thus, in the case the target indicia is in fact disposed at the shorter focus distance, the likelihood of a successful decode will increase first by the sharp focus of a resulting frame and second by a higher SNR brought about by the binning of the frame, where binning is provided by averaging imaging information values associated with a block of pixel positions. 
     When in configuration C, terminal  1000  in response to a trigger signal  502  being made active, can capture and process a plurality of normal frames and then switch during the activation period of signal  502  to capture windowed frames in response to a predetermined criteria. As noted, the windowed frames can be captured at higher speed; hence selection of configuration C and all configurations described featuring windowed frames speeds up decoding operations. The predetermined criteria can be e.g., that decoding is not successful within a predetermined time within the time period of trigger signal activation or that the terminal is at a relatively longer distance from a target (which can be indicated e.g., by an average white level of a prior frame being below a predetermined threshold) or that the quality of a frame satisfies a predetermined criteria as measured by e.g., the summation of absolute values of the first derivative of a set of sample values at selected sampling areas of a frame. 
     In configuration D, both the focus of variable focus imaging lens  1110  and the type of frame (binned, normal, windowed) switch between successive frames. The binning of frames can be synchronized to the setting of the variable focus imaging lens at a shorter focus setting (terminal  1000  can be controlled so that during an exposure period of a binned frame the imaging lens is set to a shorter focus setting). The capture of normal unbinned full frames can be synchronized to an intermediate focus setting (terminal  1000  can be controlled so that during an exposure period of a normal frame, the variable focus imaging lens is set to an intermediate focus setting). The capture of windowed frames can be synchronized with the setting of a variable focus imaging lens  1110  at a longer range focus setting (terminal  1000  can be controlled so that during an exposure period of a windowed frame the image lens is set to a longer focus setting). 
     Referring to operation in accordance with configuration E, operation in accordance with configuration E active is like operation with configuration D active except the frame characteristics switch between binned and windowed frames with no normal (unbinned, unwindowed) frames being captured. Accordingly, each frame captured with trigger signal  502  and configuration E active can be captured at a faster frame time relative to that of an unbinned frame and can have reduced memory overhead bandwidth relative to that of a normal frame. 
     In the embodiment of configurations D and E, the switching between binned, normal (configuration D), and windowed frames, each synchronized with a setting of variable focus imaging lens  1110  at a certain lens setting for each frame type, can be made according to an open loop operation, where the switching is made without the switching being conditional on a predetermined condition being satisfied (e.g., a terminal to target distance, an elapsed decode type). However, in a variation of configurations D and E, terminal  1000  is operative so that the switching between frame types (each synchronized with a specific lens setting) is conditional on a predetermined condition being satisfied (e.g., an elapsed decode time threshold being satisfied or a predetermined terminal to target distance being satisfied). 
     Referring to configuration F, the operation of terminal  1000  in accordance with configuration F is similar to its operation in accordance with configuration E, except that the focus setting and frame type do not switch for each successive frame. Instead, the focus setting and frame type (binned, windowed) remain constant for a predetermined number (3 in the described example) and then switch to a new focus setting and frame time. In configuration F, like configuration E, each frame is either a binned frame or a windowed frame. Accordingly, each frame captured with configuration F active can be captured with a faster frame time than a frame time of an unbinned full frame. The windowed frames in the examples of configurations C, D, E, and F can be windowed frames having image data corresponding to (representing light incident at) a continuous group of pixels of sufficient size so that image data of the windowed frames can represent a complete decoded indicia (but since decoding as will be described can be accomplished by associating code words for certain symbols given, need not represent a complete indicia for decoding to be successful). In one example, the windowed frames can be image data representing light incident at a continuous 2592×512 group of pixels centered at a center of image sensor  1032  when image sensor  1032  has 2592×1944 total pixels. 
     Activation of configuration G in Table A can be regarded as activation of a picture taking mode of operation. When operating in a picture taking mode of operation, terminal  1000  in response to activation of trigger signal  502  can capture and can output a color frame of image data. For output of a color frame of image data, terminal  1000  can write a color frame to display  1304  and/or write the frame to non-volatile memory  1084 . For output of a color frame, terminal  1000  alternatively or in addition to can transmit the frame via I/O interface  1604 ,  1608  to an external CPU-based terminal (e.g., a remote server, a local personal computer). 
     In the example of configuration G, terminal  1000 , in response to activation of a trigger signal  502  with configuration G active can capture a limited predetermined number of frames (three in the particular example). CPU  1060  can average the three frames for noise reduction prior to outputting the resulting noise reduced frame as the frame output during operation in a picture taking mode. Decoding processing as described in connection with periods as described in connection with the timing diagram of  FIG. 10  can be avoided (indicia decoding module  40  disabled) when terminal  1000  operates in a picture taking mode. Indicia decoding module  40  can also be enabled with configuration G active, and can be enabled with all other configurations of Table A so that a subset of frames captured during an activation period are subject to a decode attempt. 
     As indicated in Table A, terminal  1000 , when a picture taking mode is active, can set a focus setting of variable focus imaging lens  1110  to a longer range focus setting (such that the imaging lens is set to the longer focus setting during the exposure period for each frame) given the expectancy that most pictures taken with the mode active will be taken at long range. 
     Referring now to configuration H, terminal  1000  with configuration H active, can bin (prior to or after a filter capture) each captured frame captured when trigger signal  502  is active. Thus, each frame captured (capture complete by storage into memory  1085 ) can be converted from a color frame to a monochrome frame such that it is in a form that is processable with use of a known decoding algorithm adapted for use with a monochrome frame. During the exposure period for each binned frame, imaging lens  1110  can be set to a shorter focus setting so that the likelihood of successfully decoding a decodable indicia by processing a frame captured at short range is increased. 
     As is indicated by configuration I, the block size of a block of pixel positions subject to binning can be a variable block size. Further, terminal  1000  can be operative so that the binning block size is synchronized with and varies with the lens setting of variable focus imaging lens  1110 . In the example of configuration I, terminal  1000  can be capable of 4×4 block binning and can have an “even shorter” focus position relatively shorter than the focus position referred to as “shorter.” In such an embodiment, exposure of a 4×4 block frame can be synchronized with the even shorter focus distance setting in the manner of synchronization described herein. Such an adjustment of the focus position can follow the pattern summarized in Table A. Also in accordance with the configuration I, terminal  1000  can be capable of windowing at variable window sizes and can have an “even longer” focus position that is relatively longer than the focus position designated as “longer.” Terminal  1000  in the specific window can be capable of capture of a 2952×512 windowed frame corresponding to continuous 2952×512 group of pixels at a center of array  1033  as well as a smaller 1000×200 windowed frame corresponding to continuous 2952×512 group of pixels at a center of array  1033 . According to the frame capture and image focus adjustment pattern, terminal  1000  can adjust a frame setting to “even longer” after exposure at a “longer” focus position and can expose a smaller windowed frame when the lens setting is the “even longer” focus setting, the exposure period and lens setting being synchronized in the manner described herein. The variable binning size and variable windowing size shown in configuration I can be implemented as part of a trial and error image capture scheme wherein terminal  1000  captures a plurality of frames for processing according to an open loop operation without detecting a sensed terminal to target distance or any other predetermined criteria. A variable bin size and/or a variable windowing size scheme can also be implemented as part of a detected predetermined criteria scheme as explained in connection with configurations B and C wherein terminal  1000  can activate binning module  10  (configuration B) or windowing module  20  (configuration C) in response to a detected criteria (e.g., a terminal to target distance, a decode time). It was also described with reference to various configurations that a focus setting can be coordinated with activation of binning module  10  and windowing module  20  (e.g., activation of binning module  10  can be synchronized with a setting of imaging lens  1110  at a shorter focus setting, and activation of windowing module  20  can be synchronized with a setting of imaging lens  1110  at a longer focus setting). It will be seen that terminal  1000  can be adapted to vary a bin size responsively to a detected terminal to target distance and to associate a certain bin size for a certain terminal to target distance to a synchronized certain focus setting. Terminal  1000  can also vary a window size responsive to a detected terminal to target distance and to associate a certain window size for a certain terminal to target distance to a synchronized certain focus setting. Also, terminal  1000  can be adapted so that no matter the method for detecting the bin size or window size, the established bin size or window size can be associated with a synchronized certain focus setting. Also, terminal  1000  can be adapted so that without any detecting method for detecting a sensed condition the terminal according to an open loop operation, can establish a bin size or window size to be associated with a synchronized certain focus setting. 
     Referring now to the indicia decoding process processes that can be carried out by the indicia decoding terminal  1000  during, e.g., periods d 0 , d 2 , d n-4  of  FIG. 10 , CPU  1060  can be programmed to carry out a decoding process for attempting to decode a frame of image data. For attempting to decode a frame of image data, CPU  1060  can sample image data of a captured frame of image data along a sampling path, e.g., at a center of a frame, or a coordinate location determined to include a decodable indicia representation. In one example, a sampling path selected for executing a decode attempt can be a sampling path which for a previous frame was determined to intersect a decodable indicia representation. Next, CPU  1060  can perform a second derivative edge detection to detect edges. After completing edge detection, CPU  1060  can determine data indicating widths between edges. CPU  1060  can then search for start/stop character element sequences and if found, derive element sequence characters, character by character by comparing with a character set table. For certain symbologies, CPU  1060  can also perform a checksum computation. If CPU  1060  successfully determines all characters between a start/stop character sequence and successfully calculates a checksum (if applicable), CPU  1060  can output a decoded message. 
     Where a decodable indicia representation is a 2D bar code symbology, a decode attempt can comprise the steps of locating a finder pattern using a feature detection algorithm, locating scan lines intersecting the finder pattern according to a predetermined relationship with the finder pattern, determining a pattern of dark and light cells along the scan lines, and converting each light pattern into a character or character string via table lookup. In one example, terminal  1000  can be adapted so that CPU  1060  subjects each frame captured during a time that a trigger signal remains active to a decode attempt (e.g., frame=frame0, frame1, frame2 . . . in any of the configurations described with reference to Table A). In an alternative example, as has been described herein, terminal  1000  can be adapted so that CPU  1060  subjects only a subset of frames to a decode attempt, and selects frames for subjecting to decoding according to a predetermined criteria. 
     It should be noted that when switching to decoding a new frame (i.e., the switch from frame=frame 0  during period do to frame=frame 2  during period d 2 ) terminal  1000  may not discard the results of decoding the previous frame. For example, in some instances, a decodable indicia subject to decoding can be a bar code of a symbology type that can be decodable to output code words. Code words of a bar code symbol are not complete decoded messages of a bar code symbol but can be combined with other code words of a bar code symbol to provide a complete decoded message. A decoded code word of a bar code symbol may be regarded as a partially decoded message. Symbologies which may be decoded to provide code words representing a partial decoded message of a bar code symbol include PDF 417, UPC, Datamatrix, QR code, and Aztec, etc. Terminal  1000  can be operative to accumulate partially decoded messages determined by processing a set of subject frames until a decoded message for a symbol is determined. For decoding bar code decodable indicia of certain symbologies, CPU  1060  can be adapted to combine partial decoded out results determined from two or more different frames. A partial decode result provided by decoding a frame of image data can take the form of a set of code words. CPU  1060  can be adapted to determine a first set of code words by processing a certain frame of a set of frames while a trigger signal  502  is active and to combine the first set of code words with a second set of code words determined by processing of a subsequent frame while the trigger signal  502  remains active. In one embodiment, CPU  1060  can be adapted so that CPU  1060  can process a certain frame to determine a first set of code words, a subsequent frame to provide a second set of code words, and possibly M further subsequent frames to provide a third set of code words. CPU  1060  can further be adapted to combine the first, second, and possible M additional sets of code words to provide a decoded message. For example, with reference to the timing diagram of  FIG. 10 , CPU  1060  may process frame=frame 0  to determine a first set of code words and then process frame=frame 2  to determine a second set of code words and then combine the code words to provide a decoded message output after the expiration of period d n-4 . 
     A small sample of systems methods and apparatus that are described herein is as follows: 
     A1. An indicia reading terminal comprising: 
     an image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional image sensor, said two-dimensional image sensor including a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns, each pattern of said repetitive patterns including at least one pixel sensitive in a first spectrum region, at least one pixel sensitive in a second spectrum region, and at least one pixel sensitive in a third spectrum region; 
     a hand held housing encapsulating said two-dimensional image sensor; 
     an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto said two-dimensional image sensor; 
     wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is configured to capture a frame of image data by reading out a plurality of analog signals, each analog signal of said plurality of analog signals being representative of light incident on a group of two or more pixels of said plurality of pixels; 
     wherein said group of two or more pixels includes one of: a pixel sensitive in said first spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in said third spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, a pixel sensitive in said first spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in said second spectrum region, a pixel sensitive in said second spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in said third spectrum region; 
     wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is further configured to convert said plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals and to store said plurality of digital signals in a memory; and 
     wherein said indicia reading terminal is operative to process said frame of image data for attempting to decode for decodable indicia. 
     A2. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said first spectrum region is provided by a red spectrum region, said second spectrum region is provided by a green spectrum region, and said third spectrum region is provided by a blue spectrum region. 
     A3. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of four pixels including a pixel sensitive in said first spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, and a pixel sensitive in said third spectrum region.
 
A4. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of N adjacent pixels, wherein N is a positive integer.
 
A5. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of N×N adjacent pixels, wherein N is a positive integer.
 
A6. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of M×N adjacent pixels, wherein M and N are positive integers.
 
A7. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said each analog signal is equal to one of: a sum of analog signals representative of light incident on one or more pixels of said group of pixels, an average of analog signals representative of light incident one or more pixels of said group of pixels.
 
A8. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said each analog signal is equal to one of: a sum of analog signals representative of light incident on one or more pixels of said group of pixels, said one or more pixels being sensitive in one spectrum region, an average of analog signals representative of light incident on one or more pixels of said group of pixels, said one or more pixels being sensitive in one spectrum region.
 
A9. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of four pixels including a pixel sensitive in said first spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, and a pixel sensitive in said third spectrum region; and
 
     wherein said each analog signal is equal to one of: an average of analog signals representative of light incident on said two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, a sum of analog signals representative of light incident on said two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, an analog signal representative of brightness of light incident on a pixel sensitive in one of: said first spectrum region, said third spectrum region. 
     A10. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said plurality of analog signals comprises at least two groups of N×M pixels; and 
     wherein said at least two groups of two or more pixels overlap by N*(M−1) pixels. 
     A11. The indicia reading terminal of A1, including a color pattern filter disposed over said image sensor. 
     A12. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said frame of image data is a monochrome frame. 
     A13. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said plurality of analog signals represents substantially all pixels of said image sensor. 
     A14. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said plurality of analog signals represents a subset of pixels of said image sensor. 
     A15. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said plurality of analog signals represents substantially all pixels of said image sensor if a resolution of said frame of image data is sufficient to decode said target decodable indicia; and 
     wherein said plurality of analog signals represents a subset of pixels of said image sensor if said resolution of said frame of image data is insufficient to decode said target decodable indicia. 
     A16. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said plurality of analog signals represents a group of adjacent pixels centered at a center of said image sensor. 
     A17. The indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of two or more pixels sensitive in one spectrum region. 
     B1. An indicia reading terminal comprising: 
     an image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional image sensor, said two-dimensional image sensor including a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns, each pattern of said repetitive patterns including at least one pixel sensitive in a first spectrum region, at least one pixel sensitive in a second spectrum region, and at least one pixel sensitive in a third spectrum region; 
     a hand held housing encapsulating said two-dimensional image sensor; 
     an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto said two-dimensional image sensor; 
     wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is configured to capture a frame of image data by reading out a plurality of analog signals, each analog signal of said plurality of analog signals being representative of light incident on a pixel of said plurality of pixels; 
     wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is further configured to convert said plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals and to store said plurality of digital signals in a memory; 
     wherein said indicia reading terminal is configured to convert digital signals representative of pixel values of a group of two or more pixels into a single digital pixel value; 
     wherein said group of two or more pixels includes one of: a pixel sensitive in said first spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in said third spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, a pixel sensitive in said first spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in said second spectrum region, a pixel sensitive in said second spectrum region and a pixel sensitive in said third spectrum region; and 
     wherein said indicia reading terminal is further configured to process said frame of image data for attempting to decode for decodable indicia 
     B2. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said first spectrum region is provided by a red spectrum region, said second spectrum region is provided by a green spectrum region, and said third spectrum region is provided by a blue spectrum region. 
     B3. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of four pixels including a pixel sensitive in said first spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, and a pixel sensitive in said third spectrum region.
 
B4. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of N adjacent pixels, wherein N is a positive integer.
 
B5. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of N×N adjacent pixels, wherein N is a positive integer.
 
B6. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of M×N adjacent pixels, wherein M and N are positive integers.
 
B7. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said single digital pixel value is equal to one of: a sum of digital pixel values of one or more pixels of said group of pixels, an average of digital pixel values of one or more pixels of said group of pixels.
 
B8. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said single digital pixel value is equal to one of: a sum of digital pixel values of one or more pixels of said group of pixels, said one or more pixels being sensitive in one spectrum region, an average of digital pixel values of one or more pixels of said group of pixels, said one or more pixels being sensitive in one spectrum region.
 
B9. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of four pixels including a pixel sensitive in said first spectrum region, two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, and a pixel sensitive in said third spectrum region; and
 
     wherein said single digital pixel value is equal to one of: an average of digital pixel values of said two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, a sum of digital pixel values of said two pixels sensitive in said second spectrum region, a digital pixel value of a pixel sensitive in one of: said first spectrum region, said third spectrum region. 
     B10. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said plurality of analog signals comprises at least two groups of N×M pixels; and 
     wherein said at least two groups of two or more pixels overlap by N*(M−1) pixels. 
     B11. The indicia reading terminal of B1, including a color pattern filter disposed over said image sensor. 
     B12. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said frame of image data is a monochrome frame. 
     B13. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said plurality of analog signals represents substantially all pixels of said image sensor. 
     B14. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said plurality of analog signals represents a subset of pixels of said image sensor. 
     B15. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said plurality of analog signals represents substantially all pixels of said image sensor if a resolution of said frame of image data is sufficient to decode said target decodable indicia; and 
     wherein said plurality of analog signals represents a subset of pixels of said image sensor if said resolution of said frame of image data is insufficient to decode said target decodable indicia. 
     B16. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said plurality of analog signals represents a group of adjacent pixels centered at a center of said image sensor. 
     B17. The indicia reading terminal of B1, wherein said group of two or more pixels is provided by a group of two or more pixels sensitive in one spectrum region. 
     [The following is an excerpt from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/217,139 with Figure numbers and element references changed to avoid duplication] 
     An optical indicia reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and an image sensor integrated circuit, all coupled to a system bus, and a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor. The image sensor integrated circuit can comprise a two-dimensional image sensor including a plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to read out a plurality of analog signals. Each analog signal of the plurality of analog signals can be representative of light incident on at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be further configured to derive a plurality of luminance signals from the plurality of analog signals, each luminance signal being representative of the luminance of light incident on at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be further configured to store a frame of image data in the terminal&#39;s memory by converting the plurality of luminance signals to a plurality of digital values, each digital value being representative of the luminance of light incident on at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to process the frame of image data for decoding decodable indicia. 
     There is provided an optical indicia reading terminal comprising a microprocessor, a memory, and an image sensor integrated circuit, all coupled to a system bus, and a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor. The image sensor integrated circuit can comprise a two-dimensional image sensor including a plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to read out a plurality of analog signals. Each analog signal of the plurality of analog signals can be representative of light incident on at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be further configured to derive a plurality of luminance signals from the plurality of analog signals, each luminance signal being representative of the luminance of light incident on at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels. The image sensor integrated circuit can be further configured to store a frame of image data in the terminal&#39;s memory by converting the plurality of luminance signals to a plurality of digital values, each digital value being representative of the luminance of light incident on at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to process the frame of image data for decoding decodable indicia. 
     In one embodiment, there is provided an optical indicia reading terminal equipped with a two-dimensional color image sensor. Using color image sensor for reading optical indicia can be advantageous due to the fact that a color image sensor can also be used for other functions performed by an optical indicia reading terminal (e.g., still image or video capturing). 
     The associated image sensor circuitry can be configured to read out analog signals representative of light incident on image sensor pixels, to derive luminance signals from the read-out analog signals, and then to store a frame of monochrome image data in the terminal&#39;s memory by converting the luminance signals to digital values. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to process the frame of image data for decoding decodable indicia. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 11 , there is provided an EIR terminal  100  including a housing A 52  comprising a head portion A 54  and a handle portion A 56 , the latter further comprising a hand grip A 58  and a trigger A 60 . The trigger A 60  can be used to initiate signals for activating frame readout and/or certain decoding processes. Other components of EIR terminal A 100  can be disposed within the housing A 52 . For example, an image sensor A 62  can be disposed in the head portion A 54  behind a housing window A 63 . The image sensor A 62  can be configured to output an electrical signal representative of light incident on the image sensor. 
     EIR terminal A 100  can further comprise an I/O interface which in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 11  can be communicatively coupled to a wired connection A 66 . The I/O interface can be used to communicatively couple EIR terminal A 100  to a companion device A 68  such as a register and/or peripheral data capture devices in a point-of-sale (POS) application. Other configurations of the I/O interface may utilize wireless communication technology and/or contact-type features that do not require wires and/or wired connection A 66 . In certain applications of EIR terminal A 100  for example, the companion device A 68  may be provided by a docking station with corresponding mating contacts and/or connectors that are useful to exchange power and data, including image data captured by the imaging module A 62 . 
     Although not incorporated in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 11 , EIR A 100  can also comprise a number of peripheral devices, including a display for displaying such information as image frames captured by the terminal, a keyboard, and a pointing device. 
     EIR terminal A 100  can be used, for example, for bar code reading and decoding in POS and other applications. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other uses of EIR terminal A 100  are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     While  FIG. 11  illustrates a hand held housing, a skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other types and form factors of terminal housings are within the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the optical indicia reading terminal. Indicia reading terminal A 100  can include a color image sensor A 1032  comprising a multiple pixel image sensor array A 1033  having pixels arranged in rows and columns, associated column circuitry A 1034 , and row circuitry A 1035 . In one embodiment, the image sensor array A 1033  can be provided by a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. In another embodiment, the image sensor array can be provided by a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other types of image sensors are within the scope of the invention. 
     Associated with the image sensor A 1032  can be amplifier circuitry A 1036 , and an analog to digital converter A 1037  which converts image information in the form of analog signals read out of image sensor A 1033  into image information in the form of digital signals. Image sensor A 1032  can also have an associated timing and control circuit A 1038  for use in controlling e.g., the exposure period of image sensor A 1032 , and gain applied to the amplifier circuitry A 1036 . The noted circuit components A 1032 , A 1036 , A 1037 , and A 1038  can be packaged into a common image sensor integrated circuit  1040 . 
     In operation, the light falling on the surface of image sensor A 1032  can cause accumulation of charge in each pixel. The indicia reading terminal A 100  can be configured to read out analog signals representative of light incident on one or more pixels. 
     In one embodiment, image sensor integrated circuit A 1040  can be configured to derive luminance signals from the read-out analog signals, and then to store a frame of monochrome image data in the terminal&#39;s memory by converting the luminance signals to digital values, so that terminal A 100  can process the frame of image data for decoding decodable indicia. In one embodiment, image sensor integrated circuit A 1040  can include an image data extracting module A 1028  configured to derive luminance signals from the read-out analog signals. In another embodiment, the designation of image data extracting module can be purely functional, and the column circuitry A 1034  and row circuitry A 1035  can be configured to control deriving luminance signals from the read-out analog signals. In a yet another embodiment, deriving luminance signals from the read-out analog signals can be controlled by other components of image sensor integrated circuit A 1040 . 
     The analog signals can then be fed to the input of the ADC A 1037 . The resulting digital values representative of the analog signals can be stored in a system memory such as RAM A 1080 . Image frame data stored in RAM A 1080  can be in the form of multibit pixel values, with each multibit pixel value representing light incident on a pixel of image sensor A 1033 . A memory A 1085  of terminal A 100  can include RAM A 1080 , a nonvolatile memory such as EPROM A 1082  and a storage memory device A 1084  such as may be provided by a flash memory or a hard drive memory. 
     In one embodiment, image sensor A 1032  can be configured to output image data in YUV, YbCrCb or similar format supporting independent luminance and chrominance information. In YUV model, the Y component determines the brightness of the color (referred to as luminance or luma), while the U and V components determine the color itself (the chroma). U and V components are “color difference” signals of blue minus luma (B−Y) and red minus luma (R−Y). Value of Y component can range from 0 to 1 (or 0 to 255 in digital formats), while values of U and V components can range from −0.5 to 0.5 (or −128 to 127 in signed digital form, or 0 to 255 in unsigned form). Some YUV-based standards can further limit the ranges so the out-of-bounds values can indicate special information like synchronization. 
     YUV color representation can be computed from RGB color representation as follows:
 
 Y= 0.299 R+ 0.587 G+ 0.114 B  
 
 U=− 0.147 R− 0.289 G+ 0.436 B  
 
 V= 0.615 R− 0.515 G− 0.100 B  
 
     Pixel data A 310  can include Y component and one of U, V components as shown in  FIG. 13 a   . The rate of pixel clock A 320  can be twice the pixel rate. Image data extracting module A 1028  can extract Y component by reading out output signals at every second pixel clock rate (plot A 325  in  FIG. 13 a   ), thus reducing the image data acquisition bandwidth requirement. 
     In another embodiment, image sensor A 1032  can be configured to output image data in an RGB format (e.g., RGB555, RGB565, or similar format). All three R, G, B components are available for each pixel A 340 , as shown in  FIG. 13 b   . Thus, the rate of pixel clock A 330  can be twice the pixel rate. Image data extracting module A 1028  can extract Y component A 345  by interpolating the R, G, B data A 340 , performing color correction, white balancing and/or color to monochrome conversion. 
     In another embodiment, image sensor A 1032  can be configured to output image data in the raw RGB format. The pixel data can comprise pixel data for odd rows A 382  and pixel data for even rows A 384 , as shown in  FIG. 13 c   . Either R, G, or B component is present in each sampling, and only one of the three components is available for each pixel. Thus, the rate of pixel clock A 390  is equal to the pixel rate. Image data extracting module A 1028  can extract Y component A 395  by interpolating the R, G, B data A 382 -A 384 , performing color correction, white balancing, and/or color to monochrome conversion. 
     In one embodiment, indicia reading terminal A 100  can be configured to bypass the image data extracting module A 1028  and thus acquire a color image. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 12 , indicia reading terminal A 100  can include microprocessor A 1060  which can be adapted to read out image data stored in memory A 1080  and subject such image data to various image processing algorithms. 
     In one embodiment, image sensor integrated circuit A 1040  can be configured to read-out analog signals, and then to store a frame of color image data in the terminal&#39;s memory by converting the analog signals to digital values. Microprocessor A 1060  can be configured to convert the frame of color image data to a frame of monochrome image data. 
     In one embodiment, image sensor integrated circuit A 1040  can be configured to output color image data in YUV, YbCrCb or similar format supporting independent luminance and chrominance information. Microprocessor A 1060  can be configured to only extract Y component from the stored frame of color image data and to store the resulting monochrome frame of image data in the terminal&#39;s memory. 
     In another embodiment, image sensor A 1032  can be configured to output image data in an RGB format (e.g., RGB555, RGB565, or similar format). All three R, G, B components are available for each pixel A 340 , as shown in  FIG. 13 b   . Microprocessor A 1060  can be configured to convert the stored frame of color image data into a monochrome frame of image data (e.g., by interpolating the R, G, B data, performing color correction, and/or white balancing) and to store the resulting monochrome frame of image data in the terminal&#39;s memory. 
     In another embodiment, image sensor A 1032  can be configured to output image data in the raw RGB format. The pixel data can comprise pixel data for odd rows A 382  and pixel data for even rows A 384 , as shown in  FIG. 13 c   . Either R, G, or B component is present in each sampling, and only one of the three components is available for each pixel. Microprocessor A 1060  can be configured to convert the stored frame of color image data into a monochrome frame of image data (e.g., by interpolating the R, G, B data, performing color correction, and/or white balancing) and to store the resulting monochrome frame of image data in the terminal&#39;s memory. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 12 , indicia reading terminal A 100  can include a direct memory access unit (DMA) A 1070  for routing image information read out from image sensor A 1032  that has been subject to conversion and storage to RAM A 1080 . In another embodiment, terminal A 100  can employ a system bus providing for bus arbitration mechanism (e.g., a PCI bus) thus eliminating the need for a central DMA controller. Other embodiments of the system bus architecture and/or direct memory access components providing for efficient data transfer between the image sensor A 1032  and RAM A 1080  can be provided. 
     In another aspect, the indicia reading terminal A 100  can include microprocessor A 1060  which can be adapted to read out image data stored in memory A 1080  and subject such image data to various image processing algorithms. 
     In another aspect, the indicia reading terminal A 100  can include a variable focus imaging lens A 1110  for use in focusing an image of a decodable indicia located within a field of view A 140  on a substrate A 50  onto image sensor A 1033 . Imaging light rays can be transmitted about imaging axis A 25 . Variable focus imaging lens A 1110  can be adapted to be capable of multiple best focus distances and multiple focal lengths. Variable focus imaging lens A 1110  can be operative to provide a new best focus distance and/or focal length within a fraction of a frame time in response to an applied input control signal being applied to the variable focus imaging lens A 1110 . In one embodiment, the variable focus imaging lens A 1110  can be provided by a deformable imaging lens, e.g., a deformable fluid lens or gel lens. In another embodiment, the variable focus imaging lens A 1110  can be provided by a non-deformable fluid lens, e.g., an electrowetting liquid lens wherein the surface tension of one or more volumes of lens liquid changes in response to a signal being applied to the lens, or a liquid crystal type lens wherein indices of refraction of one or more volumes of lens fluid change in response to a signal being applied to the lens. 
     The indicia reading terminal A 100  can also include an illumination pattern light source bank A 1204  for use in generating an illumination pattern A 60  substantially corresponding to a field of view A 140  of terminal A 100  and an aiming pattern light source bank A 1208  for use in generating an aiming pattern A 70  on substrate A 50 . Shaping optics A 1205  and A 1209  can be provided for shaping light from bank A 1204  and bank A 1208  into pattern A 60  and into pattern A 70  respectively. In use, terminal A 100  can be oriented by an operator with respect to a substrate A 50  bearing decodable indicia A 15  in such manner that aiming pattern A 70  is projected on a decodable indicia A 15 . In the example of  FIG. 12 , decodable indicia A 15  is provided by a  1 D bar code symbol. Decodable indicia could also be provided by 2D bar code symbols or optical character recognition (OCR) characters. 
     Each of illumination pattern light source bank A 1204  and aiming pattern light source bank A 1208  can include one or more light sources. Variable focus imaging lens A 1110  can be controlled with use of focus control module A 30  and the illumination assembly comprising illumination pattern light source bank A 1204  and aiming pattern light source bank A 1208  can be controlled with use of illumination assembly control module A 1220 . Focus control module A 30  can send signals to variable focus imaging lens A 1110  e.g., for changing a best focus distance and/or a focal length of variable focus imaging lens A 1110 . Illumination assembly control module A 1220  can send signals to illumination pattern light source bank A 1204  e.g., for changing a level of illumination output by illumination pattern light source bank A 1204 . 
     In one example, the indicia reading terminal A 100  can be adapted so that illumination assembly control module A 1220  controls light source bank A 1204  to have a relatively lower level of illumination output when the best focus distance of imaging lens A 1110  is set to a first shorter best focus distance, and a relatively higher level of illumination output when the best focus distance of imaging lens A 1110  is set at a longer best focus distance. Such variable illumination settings can be varied within a time that trigger signal A 502  remains active. The variable illumination level settings can be synchronized to the certain lens settings set forth in connection with the various configurations described herein infra. 
     Indicia reading terminal A 100  can also include a number of peripheral devices, e.g., a display A 1304  for displaying such information as captured image frames, keyboard A 1404 , pointing device A 1406 , and trigger A 1408  which may be used to make active a trigger signal A 502  for activating frame readout and/or certain decoding processes. The indicia reading terminal A 100  can be adapted so that activation of trigger A 1408  activates trigger signal A 502  and initiates a decode attempt. 
     Indicia reading terminal A 100  can also include various interface circuits for coupling the peripheral devices to system address/data bus (system bus) A 1500 , for communication with microprocessor A 1060  which can also be coupled to system bus A 1500 . The indicia reading terminal  100  can include circuit A 1026  for coupling image sensor timing and control circuit A 1038  to system bus A 1500 , interface circuit A 1118  for coupling focus control module A 30  to system bus A 1500 , interface circuit A 1218  for coupling illumination control assembly A 1220  to system bus A 1500 , interface circuit A 1302  for coupling display A 1304  to system bus A 1500 , and interface circuit A 1402  for coupling keyboard A 1404 , pointing device A 1406 , and trigger A 1408  to system bus A 1500 . 
     In a further aspect, indicia reading terminal A 100  can include one or more I/O interfaces A 1604 , A 1608  for providing communications with external devices (e.g., a cash register server, a store server, an inventory facility server, a peer terminal A 100 , a local area network base station, or a cellular base station). I/O interfaces A 1604 , A 1608  can be interfaces of any combination of known computer interfaces, e.g., Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), USB, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, CDMA, GSM. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , an imaging module A 300  for supporting components of terminal A 100  can include image sensor integrated circuit A 1040  disposed on a printed circuit board A 1802  together with illumination pattern light source bank A 1204  and aiming pattern light source bank A 1208  each shown as being provided by a single light source. Imaging module A 300  can also include containment A 1806  for image sensor integrated circuit A 1040 , and housing A 1810  for housing imaging lens A 1110 . Imaging module A 300  can also include optical plate A 1814  having optics for shaping light from bank A 1204  and bank A 1208  into predetermined patterns. Imaging module A 300  can be disposed in a hand held housing A 11 , an example of which is shown in  FIG. 16 . Disposed on hand held housing A 11  can be display A 1304 , trigger A 1408 , pointing device A 1406 , and keyboard A 1404 . 
     A small sample of systems methods and apparatus that are described herein is as follows: 
     A1. An optical indicia reading terminal comprising: 
     a microprocessor coupled to a system bus; 
     a memory communicatively coupled to said system bus; 
     an image sensor integrated circuit coupled to said system bus, said image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional color image sensor including a plurality of pixels; 
     a hand held housing encapsulating said two-dimensional image sensor; 
     wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is configured to read out a plurality of analog signals, each analog signal of said plurality of analog signals being representative of light incident on at least one pixel of said plurality of pixels; 
     wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is further configured to derive a plurality of luminance signals from said plurality of analog signals, each luminance signal of said plurality of luminance signals being representative of a luminance of light incident on at least one pixel of said plurality of pixels; 
     wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is further configured to store a frame of image data in said memory by converting said plurality of luminance signals to a plurality of digital values, each digital value being representative of a luminance of light incident on at least one pixel of said plurality of pixels; and 
     wherein said optical indicia reading terminal is configured to process said frame of image data for decoding decodable indicia. 
     A2. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1 further comprising an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto said two-dimensional image sensor. 
     A3. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is configured to read out a plurality of RGB analog signals. 
     A4. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said image sensor integrated circuit is configured to read out a plurality of YUV analog signals. 
     A5. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said frame of image data is a monochrome frame. 
     A6. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1 further including at least one of: a display, a keyboard, and a communication interface. 
     A7. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1 further including a trigger for activating readout of said plurality of analog signals. 
     A8. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said image sensor integrated circuit further comprises at least one of: an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, and a control circuit. 
     A9. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said color image sensor comprises a multiple pixel image sensor array having pixels arranged in rows and columns, a column circuitry, and a row circuitry. 
     A10. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said color image sensor comprises a multiple pixel image sensor array having pixels arranged in rows and columns, said image sensor array provided by a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. 
     A11. The optical indicia reading terminal of A1, wherein said color image sensor comprises a multiple pixel image sensor array having pixels arranged in rows and columns, said image sensor array provided by a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. 
     [End of excerpt from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/217,139] 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the true 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 the mentioned certain number of elements.