Patent ID: 7219843

Claim:
An optical reader comprising: a portable housing; a first imaging module having a first imaging axis; a second imaging module having a second imaging axis, wherein said first and second imaging modules are disposed so that said first and second imaging axes converge toward one another; wherein each of said first and second imaging modules include an image sensor having an array of photosensitive elements, a support assembly, and at least one illumination LED; a control circuit in communication with each of said first and second imaging modules; wherein said first and second imaging modules are encapsulated in said portable gun style housing, and wherein said control circuit is programmed, in response to receipt of a trigger signal to: (a) capture a first frame of image data via actuation of said illumination LED and said image sensor of said first imaging module; (b) determine whether said first frame of image data includes decodable indicia; (c) automatically subjects to a decode attempt a second frame of image data if said determination step (b) indicates that decodable indicia is not or is likely not represented in said first frame, wherein said second frame of image data is captured via actuation of said at least one LED of said second imaging module and said image sensor of said first imaging module, wherein no illumination LED of said first imaging module is actuated when said second frame of image data is captured.