DECODING A SPECIFIC BARCODE IN THE FIELD OF VISION OF A BARCODE READER

Abstract

Method for performing a barcode reading operation by a barcode reader (100) with a controller (126), an imaging assembly operable for capturing image frames, and a target light assembly (123) operable for emitting a target light with a target light pattern, the method comprising: Capturing a decode frame image via the imaging assembly; Decoding two or more barcodes within the decode frame image via the control (126); Capturing a pick list frame image via the imaging assembly after decoding the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; Detect, within the picklist frame image, a section of the picklist frame image that is illuminated by at least part of the target light, in order to define a position of the target light pattern; and Comparing the position of the target light pattern within the pick list frame image with the respective positions of each of the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; Selecting one of the barcodes if the position of the target light pattern within the pick list frame image overlaps at least partially with the position of one of the barcodes within the decode frame image; Reports of the decoding of the selected barcode.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Barcode scanners are commonplace today and are used in a wide variety of environments to read barcodes, often affixed to various objects. In some cases, such as with barcode lists, barcodes are provided in a densely packed arrangement, with many barcodes separated by only a few inches. This can be problematic for many barcode scanners because their field of view (FOV) may be wide enough to capture multiple barcodes if the scanner is held at an appropriate distance from the barcode list. In some cases, the scanner may report a decoded barcode that, while decodable, is located at the very edge of the FOV. In other cases, the scanner may simply report a decoding error and / or no successful decoding at all.Therefore, there is a need for devices, systems and methods aimed at decoding a desired barcode in a working environment where barcodes are packed closely together.

[0002] US 2006 / 0081712A1 describes an optical reading system and method with multiple operating modes. In one configuration, an image-based system receives input data via an area sensor, such as a two-dimensional CCD array, with only a selected portion of the data being stored and processed according to a chosen pattern of virtual scanning lines. The system can allow a user to implement different operating modes, such as a first mode for reading optical codes at any location or orientation, and a second mode for reading only an optical code aligned along a specific virtual scanning line or group of lines.US 2015 / 0034724A1 describes how a selected target from a multi-target selection list is read electro-optically by image acquisition over a range of working distances, by capturing an image of the selection list in the range over an imaging field of view, by storing coordinates of a trajectory of a target light pattern in the imaging field of view over the range, by processing the captured image along the trajectory to locate and identify a target, by determining whether the target covers the trajectory, and by determining that the target is the selected target if the target covers at least part of the trajectory.

[0003] US 2006 / 0118635A1 describes a targeting pattern used with an automatic focusing system for an imaging-based barcode reader. A combination of thick horizontal lines and thin vertical lines provides a targeting pattern that can be used effectively for distance determination purposes while also providing sufficient illumination for decoding 1D barcodes. DESCRIPTION

[0004] Accordingly, at least some embodiments of the present invention are designed to decode a desired barcode in a working environment in which barcodes are packed closely together.

[0005] According to the invention, a method for performing a barcode reading operation by a barcode reader is provided, comprising a controller, an imaging assembly operable for capturing image frames, and a target light assembly operable for emitting a target light with a target light pattern, wherein the method comprises: capturing a decode frame image via the imaging assembly; decoding two or more barcodes within the decode frame image via the controller; capturing a pick list frame image via the imaging assembly after decoding the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; detecting a section of the pick list frame image within the pick list frame image that is illuminated by at least a part of the target light in order to define a position of the target light pattern;Comparing the position of the target light pattern within the pick-list frame image with the respective positions of each of the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; selecting one of the barcodes if the position of the target light pattern within the pick-list frame image overlaps at least partially with the position of one of the barcodes within the decode frame image; and reporting the decoding of the selected barcode.

[0006] According to the invention, a barcode reader is provided comprising: a housing; an imaging assembly positioned within the housing and operable to capture image frames; a target light assembly positioned within the housing and operable to emit a target light with a target light pattern; and a controller positioned with the housing and communicatively coupled to the imaging assembly and the target light assembly, wherein the controller is configured to: decode two or more barcodes within a decode frame image captured by the imaging assembly; after decoding the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image, cause the imaging assembly to capture a pick-list frame image; and determine a position of at least one section of the target light pattern within the pick-list frame image.to compare the position of at least one section of the target light pattern within the pick-list frame image with the respective positions of each of the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; to select one of the barcodes if the position of at least one section of the target light pattern within the pick-list frame image overlaps at least partially with the position of one of the barcodes within the decode frame image; and to report the selected barcode to an external host.

[0007] According to the invention, an imaging machine for use in a barcode reader is provided, comprising: an imaging assembly that can be operated to capture image frames; a target light assembly that is positioned relative to the imaging assembly and can be operated to emit a target light with a target light pattern; and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the imaging assembly and the target light assembly, wherein the controller is configured to: decode two or more barcodes within a decode frame image captured by the imaging assembly; after decoding the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image, cause the imaging assembly to capture a pick-list frame image; determine a position of at least one section of the target light pattern within the pick-list frame image;to compare the position of at least one section of the target light pattern within the pick-list frame image with the respective positions of each of the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; to select one of the barcodes if the position of at least one section of the target light pattern within the pick-list frame image overlaps at least partially with the position of one of the barcodes within the decode frame image; and to report the selected barcode to an external host.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following drawings, the description and any subsequent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying figures, in which identical reference numerals denote identical or functionally similar elements in the individual views, are incorporated into the disclosure together with the following detailed description and form an integral part of the disclosure and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts comprising the claimed invention described herein and to explain various principles and advantages of these embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 shows front and rear perspective views of a barcode reader according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram with some of the components of the barcode reader. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a barcode reader used in an environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for reading barcodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Experts will recognize that elements in the figures are shown for the sake of simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve the understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Where appropriate, the apparatus and process components have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, which show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to those skilled in the field who refer to the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary barcode reader 100 with a housing 102 containing a cavity for internal components, a trigger 104, and a window 106. The barcode reader 100 can be used as a stationary workstation in freehand mode when placed on a work surface in a support bracket (not shown). The barcode reader 100 can also be used in handheld mode when lifted from the work surface (or other surface) and held in the hand of an operator. In freehand mode, products can be pushed, slid past, or presented to the window 106. In handheld mode, the barcode reader 100 can be pointed at a barcode on a product, and the trigger 104 can be manually pressed to initiate the scanning of the barcode.In some implementations, the support bracket can be omitted, and the housing 102 can also be produced in other handheld or non-handheld forms.

[0013] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of part of a barcode reader 100 according to some embodiments. It is to be understood that Fig. Figure 2 is not drawn to scale. The barcode reader 100 in Fig. 2 contains the following components: (1) a first optical assembly 110, comprising a first imaging sensor 112 and a first imaging lens assembly 114; (2) a second optical assembly 116, comprising a second linear imaging sensor 118 and a second imaging lens assembly 120; (3) an illumination source 122; (4) a printed circuit board (PCB) 124, which carries the first and second linear imaging sensors 112, 118 and the illumination source 122; (5) a controller 126, which is positioned on the printed circuit board 124 and is communicatively coupled to the first and second linear imaging sensors 112, 118 and the illumination source 124; (6) a memory 128, which is connected to the controller 126; (7) a lighting lens assembly 130 positioned in front of the lighting source 122; and (8) a targeting light assembly 123 comprising a targeting light source 125 and a targeting lens assembly 127.When referring to parts of the barcode reader, certain components can be grouped together and referred to as the "imaging unit." In some cases, the imaging unit contains image acquisition components such as the image sensor(s). In other cases, it includes additional elements, such as a target light assembly and / or the illumination assembly.

[0014] The first and second image sensors 112, 118 can be either CCD or CMOS image sensors and can be either linear or two-dimensional sensors. Linear image sensors generally contain multiple light-sensitive pixel elements arranged in a one-dimensional array. Two-dimensional sensors generally comprise mutually orthogonal rows and columns of light-sensitive pixel elements arranged to form a substantially planar surface. The first and second image sensors 112, 118 are operable to detect light captured by the first and second imaging lens assemblies 114, 120, respectively, along a corresponding optical path or axis 132, 134 through the window 106.In general, each image sensor and imaging lens assembly is designed to work together to capture light scattered, reflected, or emitted by a barcode as pixel data across a corresponding field of view (FOV). However, each lens / image sensor pair (also called an optical assembly) is configured with different parameters.

[0015] In the embodiment described herein, the first optical assembly 110 is designed for reading barcodes over a relatively short working distance extending between NWD1 and NWD2. In some embodiments, NWD1 is approximately 0 inches from window 106 and NWD2 is approximately 28 to 32 inches from window 106. Additionally, the optical assembly 110 captures light from a relatively wider field of view (FOV) 136. On the other hand, the second optical assembly 116 is designed for reading barcodes over a relatively wide working distance extending between FWD1 and FWD2. In some embodiments, FWD1 is approximately 24 inches from window 106 and FWD2 is approximately 600 to 680 inches from window 106. Additionally, the optical assembly 116 captures light from a relatively narrower FOV 138.

[0016] In some use cases, barcode operators may align the barcode reader in such a way that multiple barcodes are within the reader's field of view (FOV). Furthermore, in some work environments, several barcodes may be located close together, causing the operator to unintentionally position the reader's FOV over a barcode that should not be read. To enable the capture and / or selection of the appropriate barcode, the components mentioned above can therefore be configured as described below.

[0017] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a barcode reader 100 pointing at a work surface 300, such that its FOV 302 overlaps a multitude of barcodes 304, 306. In such a scenario, the barcode reader 100 can be configured via its controller to report the decoding of only one of the barcodes that meets certain criteria. Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart used for a method 400 for decoding and reporting one of the barcodes. The method begins with the acquisition of a decode frame in step 402 and the input of this frame to a decoder (which can be considered part of the overall control system) in step 404. A decode frame can be considered an image frame in which the target light source is off or dimmed, and the parameters of the image sensor (e.g., gain, exposure time, etc.) and the parameters of the illumination assembly (e.g., duration of the illumination pulse, illumination intensity, etc.) are set such that a focused and / or properly contrasted (i.e., not oversaturated or unsaturated) image of the environment is acquired. Preferably, the parameters are set such that if the image contains a barcode, this barcode can be decoded by a control system using decoding techniques commonly used in the art.If the decode frame contains no decodable barcodes, the procedure returns to step 402 to continue acquiring the decode frames. If, on the other hand, the controller is able to decode a barcode within the decode frame, the procedure proceeds to step 406, where the reader acquires a pick-list frame. A pick-list frame can be considered an image frame in which the target light source is turned on or turned up (relative to the dimming levels at which the target light source operates during the acquisition of a decode frame) and the parameters of the image sensor (e.g., gain, exposure time, etc.) and the illumination assembly (e.g., illumination pulse duration, illumination pulse intensity, etc.) are set to acquire a focused and / or properly contrasted (i.e., not oversaturated or unsaturated) image of the environment.In a preferred embodiment, for the acquisition of the picking list frame, the parameters of the image sensor and the illumination assembly are set to the same settings as those set when acquiring the last decode frame containing the decodable barcode.

[0018] It is generally understood that a targeting light serves to provide a targeting pattern that gives the operator a visual indication of the center of the FOV, the central area of ​​the FOV, or some other reference point that can aid the operator in orienting the reader. As such, it is usually provided by a recognizable (e.g., bright) visual indicator (e.g., a dot directed at the approximate center of the FOV) that is typically bright enough for the operator to see during normal use. An example of a targeting mark is shown in Fig. 3 is represented as a round dot 308, which overlaps with the barcode 304. In some embodiments, this light pattern can be achieved by a laser light source and suitable optics that direct the light beam in the desired direction. In some embodiments, the laser light source can be replaced by a light-emitting diode (LED). Since the target light pattern is normally intended to be visible to the operator, it is usually brighter than the surroundings onto which it is projected. Consequently, during the acquisition of the pick list frame, when the target light source is switched on or turned up, the resulting frame contains a portion of an image representing the target light pattern (also referred to as the "target mark") that is significantly brighter (e.g., oversaturated, above a predetermined brightness intensity threshold, etc.) relative to the other parts of the image.While in most cases the presence of the target marker is easily recognizable through image analysis, this may not be the case under certain lighting conditions. Therefore, in step 408, the procedure attempts to detect the presence of the target marker along with its position within the image. If the target marker cannot be detected, the procedure can return to step 402 to restart the reading process. Otherwise, the procedure proceeds to step 410, where the controller compares the position of the barcode previously decoded from the decode frame with the position of the target marker as obtained from the pick list frame. In this case, references to the positions of the features can be understood as referring to their position within the image itself. This can be based, for example, on the pixel level, on the level of an image section (e.g.,The results can be evaluated using quadrants) or any other suitable approach that compares the relative position of the barcode within the captured decoding frame with the relative position of the target token within the pick list frame. If no or insufficient overlap is found between the position of the decoded barcode and the target token, the controller can return to step 402 to restart the read operation. Otherwise, if a minimum overlap is found between the position of the decoded barcode and the target token, the controller can report successful decoding to an external host, such as a point-of-sale (POS) system, a computer, etc.

[0019] In some embodiments, if the process returns to step 402 after determining that there is no or insufficient overlap between the position of the decoded barcode and the target marker, the process can be configured to skip steps 406 and 408 and proceed directly to step 410 after successful decoding of a barcode in a decode frame. This may be the case because a pick list frame has already been captured and the position of the target marker has already been determined. Therefore, it may not be necessary to capture another pick list frame and re-detect the presence and position of the target marker.

[0020] It should be apparent that in some cases more than one barcode is within the reader's field of view when the decoding frame is captured, as described in Fig.3. This may be the case where barcodes 304 and 306 are positioned within the FOV 302. In this case, the controller can be configured to (i) select one of the barcodes for comparison step 410 or (ii) compare the positions of the two barcodes with the position of the target mark.

[0021] In some embodiments, the minimum overlap can be determined by the number of pixels found to overlap between the barcode and the target mark. If this number of pixels exceeds a predefined threshold, an overlap between the barcode and the target mark can be assumed. In some embodiments, the number of pixels can depend on several underlying factors, such as the number of pixels occupied by the target mark and / or the number of pixels occupied by the decoded barcode. For example, the threshold for the minimum overlap can be set to 20% of the total number of pixels occupied by the target mark. In this case, if the target mark is found to occupy 200 pixels within the pick-list frame, at least 40 of the 200 pixels of the target mark must overlap with the barcode for an overlap between the decoded barcode and the target mark to occur.While the barcode appears in one image and the target marker in another, an overlap between these elements can be considered, for example, when the images are overlaid. Another way to view an overlap is by considering the x:y positions of the pixels occupied by the respective elements. In other words, if the barcode in the decode frame image appears over pixel 1340:1 and the target marker in the picklist frame also appears over pixel 1340:1, then the barcode and the target marker can be said to overlap because they are positioned on the same pixel in their respective images.

[0022] While the examples above were described with reference to a barcode reader 100, which contains multiple imaging sensors and thus multiple imaging assemblies, the concepts described here are also applicable to barcode readers with only one image sensor. Likewise, these concepts are also applicable to barcode readers with more than two image sensors. Finally, the methods described here can be implemented in barcode readers via a setting that is manually activated by the operator when they know they will be scanning barcodes in an environment where a large number of barcodes are densely packed. In some embodiments, this setting can be activated automatically when multiple barcodes are detected within the field of view.

[0023] Implementing the configurations mentioned above in a barcode reader can be particularly advantageous because it allows for more accurate reading of barcodes in environments where multiple barcodes are located close together. Furthermore, since the reader can also report successful decoding to an external host if the barcode is outside the intended target area, these configurations can help the operator avoid unintentionally reading barcodes that happen to be closer to the edges of the reader's field of view (FOV). In addition, these configurations can be especially useful in implementations using linear imagers, where accurate target detection can be more challenging than with 2D imagers.

[0024] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing description. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without altering the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the claims below. Accordingly, the description and figures should be considered illustrative rather than limiting, and all such modifications are to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Furthermore, the described embodiments / examples / implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive but rather understood as potentially combinable, where such combinations are in any way permissive.In other words, any feature disclosed in one of the embodiments / examples / implementations mentioned above may be included in any of the other embodiments / examples / implementations mentioned above. Furthermore, no step of any of the methods disclosed herein should be understood as having a specific order, unless it is expressly stated that no other order is possible or is required by the other steps of the respective method. Also, at least some of the figures may or may not be drawn to scale.

[0025] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may result in the occurrence or enhancement of a benefit, advantage, or solution are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements in any or all of the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of the granted claims.

[0026] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like may be used merely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such an entity or action between such entities or actions. The expressions "includes," "comprising," "has," "have," "exhibits," "exhibiting," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, product, or device that includes, has, exhibits, or contains a list of elements may not only have those elements but may also have other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, product, or device. An element that "includes," "has," "exhibits," or "contains"The use of the term "a" does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, product, or device that comprises, has, features, or contains the element. The terms "a" and "a" are defined as one or more unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "essentially," "generally," "approximately," "about," or any other version thereof are defined in such a way as to be understood by a person skilled in the art in this field, and in one non-restrictive embodiment, the expression is defined as within 10%, in another embodiment as within 5%, in yet another embodiment as within 1%, and in yet another embodiment as within 0.5%. The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, but not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.A device or structure that is “designed” in a certain way is at least also designed in that way, but may also be designed in ways that are not listed.

[0027] It is understood that some embodiments may include one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, custom processors, and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and uniquely stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuitry, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and / or device described herein. Alternatively, some or all of the functions may be implemented by a state machine that does not include any stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in which each function, or some combinations of certain functions, are implemented as user-defined logic.Of course, a combination of the two approaches can be used.

[0028] Furthermore, an embodiment may be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium on which computer-readable code is stored for programming a computer (which, for example, includes a processor) to execute a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).Furthermore, it is assumed that an average professional, regardless of possible significant effort and many design choices motivated, for example, by available time, current technology, and economic considerations, will be readily able to generate such software instructions, programs, and ICs with minimal experimentation if guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein.

[0029] The Summary of Disclosure is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Further, it can be seen from the foregoing Detailed Description that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This manner of disclosure should not be construed to reflect an intent that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims demonstrate, inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, each claim being a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

[1] A method for performing a barcode reading operation by a barcode reader (100) having a controller (126), an imaging assembly operable to capture image frames, and an aiming light assembly (123) operable to emit an aiming light having an aiming light pattern, the method comprising: capturing a decoding frame image via the imaging assembly; Decoding two or more barcodes within the decoding frame image via the controller (126); capturing a pick list frame image via the imaging assembly after decoding the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; Detecting, within the pick list frame image, a portion of the pick list frame image illuminated by at least a portion of the aiming light to define a position of the aiming light pattern; and Comparing the position of the target light pattern within the pick list frame image with respective positions of each of the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; Selecting one of the barcodes when the position of the target light pattern within the pick list frame image at least partially overlaps the position of the one of the barcodes within the decode frame image; Report decoding of the selected barcode. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging assembly includes a linear image sensor. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein the process of acquiring the decoding frame image comprises operating the aiming light assembly (123) at a first intensity level, wherein the process of capturing the pick list frame image comprises operating the aiming light assembly (123) at a second intensity level, and where the second intensity level is greater than the first intensity level. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the aiming light assembly (123) does not emit the aiming light during at least a portion of the process of capturing the decoding frame image; and wherein the aiming light assembly (123) emits the aiming light during at least a portion of the process of capturing the pick list frame image. [5] Barcode reader (100), comprising: a housing; an imaging assembly positioned within the housing and operable to capture image frames; an aiming light assembly (123) positioned within the housing and operable to emit an aiming light having an aiming light pattern; and a controller (126) positioned with the housing and communicatively coupled to the imaging assembly and the aiming light assembly (123), the controller (126) configured to: decode two or more barcodes within a decode frame image captured by the imaging assembly; after decoding the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image, causing the imaging assembly to capture a pick list frame image; to determine a position of at least a portion of the target light pattern within the pick list frame image; compare the position of at least one portion of the aiming light pattern within the pick list frame image with respective positions of each of the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; to select one of the barcodes if the position of the at least one portion of the target light pattern within the pick list frame image at least partially overlaps the position of the one of the barcodes within the decode frame image; and report the selected barcode to an external host. [6] The barcode reader (100) of claim 5, wherein the imaging assembly includes a linear imager. [7] Bar code reader (100) according to claim 5, wherein the controller (126) is configured to operate the aiming light assembly (123) at a first intensity level during the acquisition of the decoding frame image, wherein the controller (126) is configured to operate the aiming light assembly (123) at a second intensity level during the acquisition of the pick list frame image, and where the second intensity level is greater than the first intensity level. [8] Bar code reader (100) according to claim 5, wherein the controller (126) is configured to cause the aiming light assembly (123) not to emit the aiming light during at least a portion of an acquisition of the decoding frame image, and wherein the controller (126) is further configured to cause the aiming light assembly (123) to emit the aiming light during at least a portion of an acquisition of the pick list frame image. [9] An imaging machine for use in a barcode reader (100), comprising: an imaging assembly operable to capture image frames; an aiming light assembly (123) positioned relative to the imaging assembly and operable to emit an aiming light having an aiming light pattern; and a controller (126) communicatively coupled to the imaging assembly and the aiming light assembly (123), the controller (126) configured to: decode two or more barcodes within a decode frame image captured by the imaging assembly; after decoding the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image, causing the imaging assembly to capture a pick list frame image; to determine a position of at least a portion of the target light pattern within the pick list frame image; compare the position of at least one portion of the aiming light pattern within the pick list frame image with respective positions of each of the two or more barcodes within the decode frame image; to select one of the barcodes if the position of the at least one portion of the target light pattern within the pick list frame image at least partially overlaps the position of the one of the barcodes within the decode frame image; and report the selected barcode to an external host. [10] The imaging machine of claim 9, wherein the imaging assembly includes a linear imager. [11] Imaging machine according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to operate the aiming light assembly (123) at a first intensity level during the acquisition of the decoding frame image, wherein the controller is configured to operate the aiming light assembly (123) at a second intensity level during the acquisition of the pick list frame image, and where the second intensity level is greater than the first intensity level. [12] Imaging machine according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to cause the aiming light assembly (123) not to emit the aiming light during at least a portion of an acquisition of the decoding frame image, and wherein the controller is further configured to cause the aiming light assembly (123) to emit the aiming light during at least a portion of an acquisition of the pick list frame image.

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