1. A method for decoding a pixel image representative of a bar code symbol comprising a plurality of encoded characters each of which corresponds to one of a plurality of prototype bar patterns, comprising the steps of: (A) scanning said bar code along a first scan line to determine a first set of candidate character values, each candidate character value of said first set having an error value associated therewith; (B) if said scanning along said first scan line results in an unsuccessful reading of said bar code symbol, scanning said bar code symbol along a second differing scan line to determine a second set of candidate character values, each candidate character value of said second set having an error value associated therewith; (C) comparing corresponding error values associated with said first and second sets of candidate character values; (D) for each corresponding pair of candidate character values from said first and second sets, selecting said candidate character value having a minimum associated error value; (E) forming a third set of candidate character values in accordance with said selected candidate character values; and (F) decoding said bar code symbol in accordance with said third set of candidate character values.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said scanning along said first scan line will result in an unsuccessful reading of said bar code symbol if at least one of said plurality of encoded character values is not successfully decoded along said first scan line.