Patent ID: 7533815

Claim:
An imager that processes indicia comprising: a two-dimensional array of sensors capable of collecting data corresponding to an image of the indicia when the imager is acting within the operating range of the indicia and wherein the two-dimensional array of sensors is capable of outputting data from a pre-selected first segment of the sensors in an output period that is shorter in duration than an output period that would be required to output data from a second segment corresponding to a second, larger, segment of data from the array of sensors, a number of sensors in the first segment of sensors being less than a number of sensors in the second segment of sensors; an array controller that is selectable between a first array output mode in which data from the first segment of sensors is output and a second array output mode in which data from the second segment of sensors is output; a decoder that includes a pixel analyzer that receives and analyzes data from the first segment of sensors to determine if one or more decode preventing conditions is present in the image and a frame selector that signals the array controller to select between the first and second array output modes; and wherein if the one or more decode preventing conditions is detected by the pixel analyzer, the frame selector signals the array controller to place the array in the second array output mode such that data from the second segment is output to the decoder in subsequent processing.