Mark Reader Configured to Prioritize Images

Abstract

Systems and methods for use with a mark reader that reduce the trigger-to-decode response time by prioritizing images to be decoded based on the likelihood of a successful decode are provided. A reader attempts to decode a priority image(s) first to avoid attempting to decode images that are less likely than other images to be successfully decoded. Images are rated based on feature attributes, and then prioritized for decoding. Image feature attributes are correlated with parameter groups, and the parameter groups are prioritized for use in subsequent image acquisitions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mark reader comprising:
 an image acquisition system, the image acquisition system configured to acquire a plurality of images;   an analysis process that analyzes at least one acquired image to determine feature attributes of the at least one acquired image;   a rating process that uses the feature attributes of the at least one acquired image to provide a priority for the at least one acquired image based on the likelihood that the at least one acquired image will result in a successful decode; and   a decode process that attempts to decode one or more of the plurality of images based on the priority of at least one of the acquired images.