The exemplary system requires a 2D barcode be located on an object, a portion of which is to be captured in an image. The module size of the 2D barcode is chosen to match the smallest feature to be preserved on the output image. While the target is moving with respect to the imager the 2D bar code is also moving and the resulting image is degraded. The imager will properly decode the 2D barcode only if the bar code is stationary (or moving very slowly) and hence will provide an acceptable image in the region of the 2D bar code.