1. A method for processing an image of a two-dimensional (2D) matrix symbol having a plurality of data modules and a discontinuous finder pattern, each distorted by “donut effects” such that a resulting processed image contains an image of the 2D matrix symbol having a continuous finder pattern suitable for conventional 2D matrix symbol locating techniques, and having a plurality of data modules, each data module having a center more truly representative of intended data, and suitable for conventional 2D matrix symbol sampling and decoding, the method comprising: at least one processor programmed to: sharpen the distorted image of the 2D matrix symbol so as to increase a difference between low frequency image feature magnitudes and high frequency image feature magnitudes, thereby providing a sharpened image; and smooth the sharpened image using a moving window over the sharpened image so as to provide a smoothed image, the moving window and a module of the 2D matrix code being of substantially similar size.