1. A method for improved barcode decoding, comprising the steps of: sending a command from a microcontroller to an optical imager having a barcode decoder to capture an image of a target region; obtaining a copy of said captured image from said optical imager by exporting it from said barcode decoder to said microcontroller prior to said barcode decoder of said imager engaging in decoding operations; scaling said captured image by a predetermined value to form a scaled image; locating at least two coordinates defining a region of interest in said scaled image; calculating a corresponding region of interest in said captured image based on the region of interest in said scaled image; and sending a command from said first microcontroller to said barcode decoder of said imager to decode just said corresponding region of interest.