Patent ID: 7533824

Claim:
A bar code reading apparatus comprising: an imaging assembly including a two dimensional solid state image sensor and imaging optics focusing an image onto said solid state image sensor, the bar code reading apparatus having a field of view, the apparatus being configured to capture image data and process such image data for decoding of decodable indicia; an illumination assembly including at least one light source for projecting illumination pattern light toward a target corresponding to said field of view; a user interface enabling a user to select between a first mode of operation wherein the apparatus is optimized for reading black-on-white decodable indicia, and a second mode of operation wherein the apparatus is optimized for reading red-on-white decodable indicia, wherein said apparatus is configured so that when said first mode is selected said illumination pattern light projected by said illumination assembly for reading decodable indicia is narrow band illumination within a first narrow band; and wherein said apparatus is further configured so that when said second mode is selected said illumination pattern light projected by said illumination assembly for reading decodable indicia is light within a second band of wavelengths wider than said first narrow band, and wherein said bar code reading apparatus is configured to decode decodable indicia whether said first mode or said second mode is selected.