Patents by Inventor Ka Au

Ka Au has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20260046518
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for selecting a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of an aimer pattern. An imaging engine projects an aimer pattern onto a target object within a field of view of a first imager of an imaging engine. The imaging engine acquires a first image of the target object via the first imager. The imaging engine selects a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of the aimer pattern in the first image, in which selection of the lens focusing scheme is between a first lens focusing scheme associated with a location of the aimer pattern and a second lens focusing scheme associated with at least one predefined lens position. The imaging engine determines a focus position for a lens in accordance with the lens focusing scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2025
    Publication date: February 12, 2026
    Inventors: Tao Xian, Eric Alfons Youngblood, Timothy Good, Jeffrey Harper, David Matthew Wilz, Manjul Bizoara, Erik Van Horn, Ka Au, Shankar Ban, Thomas Haggerty
  • Patent number: 12477220
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for selecting a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of an aimer pattern. An imaging engine projects an aimer pattern onto a target object within a field of view of a first imager of an imaging engine. The imaging engine acquires a first image of the target object via the first imager. The imaging engine selects a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of the aimer pattern in the first image, in which selection of the lens focusing scheme is between a first lens focusing scheme associated with a location of the aimer pattern and a second lens focusing scheme associated with at least one predefined lens position. The imaging engine determines a focus position for a lens in accordance with the lens focusing scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2025
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tao Xian, Eric Alfons Youngblood, Timothy Good, Jeffrey Harper, David Matthew Wilz, Manjul Bizoara, Erik Van Horn, Ka Au, Shankar Ban, Thomas Haggerty
  • Publication number: 20250328740
    Abstract: A scanner comprising at least one laser source configured to emit laser beam onto a first target within a field of view (FOV). Further, one or more sensors are configured to determine a distance between the scanner and the first target within the FOV. Further, one or more processors are operationally coupled with the at least one laser source and the one or more sensors. Further, the one or more processors are configured to receive the distance from the one or more sensors. Further, the one or more processors are configured to compare the distance with a predefined threshold value to determine whether the first target is in far-field. Thereafter, the one or more processors are configured to operate the at least one laser source in a flicking-aimer mode on determining the first target is in far-field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2025
    Publication date: October 23, 2025
    Inventors: Ka AU, Gang CHEN, Xiuliang WANG, Tao XIAN, Jun YIN
  • Publication number: 20250301219
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for selecting a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of an aimer pattern. An imaging engine projects an aimer pattern onto a target object within a field of view of a first imager of an imaging engine. The imaging engine acquires a first image of the target object via the first imager. The imaging engine selects a lens focusing scheme based on a detectability level of the aimer pattern in the first image, in which selection of the lens focusing scheme is between a first lens focusing scheme associated with a location of the aimer pattern and a second lens focusing scheme associated with at least one predefined lens position. The imaging engine determines a focus position for a lens in accordance with the lens focusing scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Publication date: September 25, 2025
    Inventors: Tao Xian, Eric Alfons Youngblood, Timothy Good, Jeffrey Harper, David Matthew Wilz, Manjul Bizoara, Erik Van Horn, Ka Au, Shankar Ban, Thomas Haggerty
  • Publication number: 20080061144
    Abstract: An automatic automatically-triggered digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing an adaptive control process involving the real-time analysis of the exposure quality of captured frames of digital image data and the real-time reconfiguration of system control parameters (SCPs) based on the results of such exposure quality analysis. By virtue of the present invention, the system enables the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, under demanding point-of-sale lighting conditions and other challenging environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxum Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20080048039
    Abstract: An automatic digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic object motion detection and illumination control, and digital video-imaging based code symbol reading techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing the versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20080048038
    Abstract: An automatic automatically-triggered digital video imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing an adaptive control process involving the real-time analysis of the exposure quality of captured frames of digital image data and the real-time reconfiguration of system control parameters (SCPs) based on the results of such exposure quality analysis. By virtue of the present invention, the system enables the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, under demanding point-of-sale lighting conditions and other challenging environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20080041960
    Abstract: An Automatically-triggered digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system providing a high degree of adaptability to ambient illumination levels and having great dynamic range. The system includes an illumination subsystem, having an active illumination mode and an ambient illumination mode. During object illumination and image capturing operations, the exposure quality of a captured frames of digital video image data is analyzed, and based on the results of such exposure quality analysis, system control parameters (SCPs) are automatically reconfigured. In the event that the exposure quality analysis indicates excessive exposure levels in captured frames of digital video image data, then a new set of SCPs is reconfigured, controlling the illumination subsystem to operate in its ambient illumination mode, whereby, ambient illumination is allowed to flood the field of view and form digital images on the image detection array during object illumination and video-imaging operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20080041957
    Abstract: An automatic digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic illumination control, multi-tier modular software architecture and digital video-imaging based code symbol reading techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing the versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20080011858
    Abstract: A method of reading code symbols using a digital image capture and processing system employing a micro-computing platform supporting an event-driven multi-tier software architecture. The system comprises: an image formation and detection subsystem; an illumination subsystem; an illumination control subsystem; a digital image processing subsystem; and an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem. In the illustrative embodiment, micro-computing platform implements the digital image processing subsystem, the input/output subsystem and the system control subsystem. The micro-computing platform includes a microprocessor, a memory architecture, and a multi-tier modular software architecture responsive to the generation of a triggering event within the system. Triggering events can be generated by an automatic object detector or a manually actuated trigger switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky
  • Publication number: 20080006698
    Abstract: An automatic digital video image capture and processing system supporting image-processing based code symbol reading during a pass-through mode of system operation at a retail point of sale (POS) station. The system comprises an automatic object direction detection subsystem, disposed in its housing, as well as an illumination subsystem, an image formation and detection subsystem, an automatic illumination control subsystem, a digital image capturing and buffering subsystem, a digital image processing subsystem, and a system control subsystem. During system operation, the automatic object direction detection subsystem automatically detects the presence and direction of movement of the object in the field of view (FOV), and in response thereto, generates a first signal indicating a triggering event and a second signal indicating the direction of movement of the object with respect to the FOV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20070295813
    Abstract: An automatic code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic object motion detection and illumination control, and digital video image capturing and processing techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which human operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20070290044
    Abstract: Digital-imaging based code symbol reading system employing an event-driven multi-tier modular software architecture and supporting automatic operating system login and loading of a bar code symbol reading application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Sankar Ghosh, Michael Schnee, Pasqual Spatafore, Thomas Amundsen, Sung Byun, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Knowles
  • Publication number: 20070228175
    Abstract: A method employing automated real-time analysis of the exposure quality of captured digital images and automated reconfiguration of system control parameters (relating to illumination and exposure control operations) based on the results of such exposure quality analysis, so as to achieve improved system functionality and/or performance in diverse environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Xiaoxun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20070199998
    Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system employing automated real-time analysis of digital image exposure quality to automatically reconfigure system control parameters, and dynamically control illumination and imaging operations within the digital image capture and processing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20070199993
    Abstract: An automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system supporting a presentation mode of system operation, automatic object direction detection and illumination control, and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20070199995
    Abstract: An automatic digital imaging-based code symbol reading system supporting a presentation-type mode of system operation, a multi-tier modular software architecture, automatic illumination control and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital imaging-based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of 1D and/or 2D code symbols graphically represented in digital images captured in demanding point-of-sale and other environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20070194124
    Abstract: An automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system supporting pass-through and presentation modes of system operation, automatic object direction detection and illumination control, and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20070194122
    Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system providing a high degree of adaptability to ambient illumination levels and having great dynamic range. The system includes a multi-mode illumination subsystem, having an active illumination mode and a passive illumination mode. During object illumination and image capturing operations, the exposure quality of a captured digital image is analyzed, and based on the results of such exposure quality analysis, system control parameters are automatically reconfigured. In the event that the exposure quality analysis indicates excessive exposure levels in a captured digital image, then a new set of SCPs is reconfigured, controlling the multi-mode illumination subsystem to operate in its passive illumination mode, whereby, ambient illumination flooding the field of view forms digital images in the image detection array during s object illumination and imaging operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Publication number: 20070187509
    Abstract: An automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system supporting pass-through and presentation modes of system operation, automatic object direction detection and illumination control, and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu