Abstract: A portable data collection device having a modular imaging-based dataform reader. The dataform reader includes a two dimensional imaging assembly adapted to image and decode a dataform printed using ink that fluoresces when illuminated by ultraviolet light. The imaging assembly includes a two dimensional photosensor array and is actuatable to generate a signal representative of reflected illumination from a target area of the imaging assembly and further includes an illumination assembly having a strobing ultraviolet light source. The illumination assembly includes a pair of flash tube strobe lights which have their output illumination filtered through respective ultraviolet filter thereby permitting only illumination in the ultraviolet range to exit the dataform reader and illuminate the imaging target area. The high intensity, strobing light of the ultraviolet light source permits a reduced exposure period. A targeting illumination assembly is also provided to aid in aiming the device at a target dataform.

Abstract: Line-by-line dataform readers and methods are enabled to operate with reduced buffer memory capacity. Storage and retention of image data are controlled on an interactive basis by concurrent analysis while lines of image data are coupled from a linear scanner. In a first embodiment lines of image data are analyzed for recognition of a feature unique to a type of dataform. Upon successful feature recognition a series of earlier and later lines of image data adequate to include a complete dataform image are retained in memory for decoding purposes. Prior to successful feature recognition, as lines of image data exceeding a limited memory storage capacity are received the earliest stored lines are discarded on a first-in-first-out basis. In a second embodiment, a buffer memory has a storage capacity adequate to store only a partial dataform image.

Abstract: A hand held dataform reader for reading 1D and 2D bar codes and matrix dataforms is disclosed. The dataform reader includes a dataform reader module having a laser bar code dataform reading assembly, for reading 1D bar codes, and an imaging dataform reading assembly, for reading 2D bar codes and matrix codes. The dataform reader module further includes selection and control circuitry for energizing a selected one of the reading assemblies. In operation, the laser reading assembly is energized first. If the target dataform is a 1D bar code, a decodable signal will be generated and decoding circuitry will decode the target dataform. If a decodable signal is not generated by the laser reading assembly, the selection and control circuitry turns off the laser reading assembly and energizes the imaging dataform reading assembly. If the target dataform is a 2D bar code or matrix dataform, the imaging dataform reading assembly will generate a decodable composite video signal representing the image of the dataform.