Automatic image transmission of difficult to read symbols

A method of operating a bar code scanning system adapted for assembling information bearing indicia (IBI) information from partial scans of IBI data which may comprise some undecodable characters, the method comprising the steps of:

• converting light reflected from a target into output signals representative thereof utilizing an image sensor;
• illuminating the target utilizing an illumination source;
• directing light from the target to the image sensor array utilizing receive optics;
• determining if at least a portion of the information contained in the IBI within the target derived from the output signals is not decodable;
• transmitting an image of the IBI and any decoded IBI information to a host device if any portion of the IBI is not decoded;
• and
• housing a processor, the image sensor, the receive optics, the illumination source and a display in a common housing for hand held operation.