Code reader with extended reading range

A handheld image based code reader comprising:

• an image sensor, the image sensor configured to acquire an image of a code;
• a lens configured to project an image scene including the code onto the image sensor, the lens comprising a variable optical power that controls a focus distance of the image based code reader;
• an orientation sensor configured to determine an angle of the reader relative to an external frame of reference;
• a first illumination source configured to illuminate the image scene with light having a first illumination angle;
• a second illumination source configured to illuminate the image scene having a second illumination angle different than the first illumination angle;
• wherein the handheld based code reader is configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes and wherein the plurality of operating modes includes at least a first mode and a second mode, and
• a processor operatively coupled to the image sensor, the lens, the orientation sensor, and the first and second illumination sources, the processor configured to:
• receive an orientation signal from the orientation sensor, the orientation signal representative of the angle;
• determine, using the orientation signal representative of the angle, a focus distance of the reader;
• select, using the focus distance, the first illumination source to illuminate the image scene rather than the second illumination source illuminating the image scene;
• wherein the processor sets the variable optical power such that the focus distance is within a range of 0.3 meters to 1.5 meters, when in the first mode.