Image module including mounting and decoder for mobile devices

This invention provides a module/base assembly for a handheld device. The module includes an imager with optics and image acquisition/processing processors that provide high speed acquisition and handling of acquired image data. The acquired image data is processed by the device processor using a module application that resides within the device. A removable retaining component mounts within the base. The base houses a battery and charging assembly e.g. an inductive charging unit. The inductive charging unit can be adapted to pass data, in addition to power, between the inductive coils and the charging unit can be interconnected to a data network with attached devices that employ data from the module. The base can charge the device via a connector and/or wireless charging arrangement. Data communication between the base and mobile device can occur using an RF link, e.g. an integrated Bluetooth® functionality.