Hand held dataform reader utilizing binarization process for dataform

Abstract

A portable data collection device having an imaging based dataform reader utilizing a binarization process to identify an imaged dataform or signature area with a target image area. An imaging assembly is provided that includes a board camera having black and white circuitry and generates a composite video signal representing an image of a target area of the imaging assembly when actuated. The imaging assembly includes a two dimensional photosensor array. The imaging assembly is selectively actuatable with a first trigger for reading a target dataform in the imaging assembly's target area and actuatable with a second trigger for capturing a image of the target object in the target area. When the device is operated in a dataform reading mode or in a signature area capture mode, binarization circuitry is provided that binarizes gray scale values generated from the composite video signal and examines the binary values to identify the imaged dataform or signature area. When operating in the signature area capture mode, the binarized data corresponding to the signature area is subject to data compression before being output. When operating in the dataform reading mode, the binarized data corresponding to the dataform are operated on by cell extraction circuitry and dataform decoding circuitry to decode the imaged dataform.