Patent US 6,138,915

An indicia reader operable over a broad range of distances and a method for reading indicia therewith. The indicia reader having a sensor and a distance determining device. The indicia reader being capable of configuring itself to read indicia at the determined distance. The indicia reader can have an aiming aid, communications capability, a keyboard, a motor, an actuator, an intensity sensor as well as audio and visual signaling components. The method of using involves the steps of determining distance and configuring the device to read. Other steps can include aiming, reading, decoding, automatic termination, communicating, signaling and automatic reinitiation.