Patents by Inventor Ka Man Au

Ka Man 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).

  • Patent number: 7735737
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Man Au, Xiaoxun Zhu
  • Patent number: 7712666
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Man Au, Xiaoxun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20100096461
    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 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Man Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Patent number: 7686225
    Abstract: A wireless code symbol reading system including a wireless hand-supportable code symbol reader in two-way RF communication with a base station operably connected to a host system, by way of an RF-based wireless data communication link having a predetermined RF communication range over which two-way communication of data packets can occur. The wireless hand-supportable code symbol reader is programmed to automatically detect when it is located inside and outside of the predetermined RF communication range. When the wireless reader is inside the RF communication range, then symbol character data is automatically transmitted to the base station, and when the wireless reader is located outside of the RF communication range, then symbol character data is automatically collected and stored in a data packet buffer, until the wireless reader has re-entered its RF communication range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, David M. Wilz, Sr., Robert Blake, Donald T. Hudrick, Stephen J. Colavito, C. Harry Knowles, George Rockstein, Xiaoxun Zhu, John Bonanno, Sung Byun, Congwei Xu, Min Jiang, Lin Wang, Meng Hu, Hongjian Jin, MingQing Ji, Shamei Shi, Ka Man Au, Patrick Giordano
  • Patent number: 7681799
    Abstract: A method of reading code symbols using a digital image capture and processing system which includes: 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, a 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 by a manually actuated trigger switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky
  • Patent number: 7673803
    Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based engine including; an engine housing having light transmission aperture; an image formation and detection module and having an image detection array and image formation optics with a field of view (FOV) extending from the image detection array, through the light transmission aperture and onto an object moving relative to the engine housing during object illumination and imaging operations; a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device, and having at least one visible laser illumination source arranged in relation to the image formation and detection module, for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB), and projecting the planar light illumination beam through light transmission aperture and oriented such that the plane of the PLIB is coplanar with the field of view of the image formation and detection module so that the object can be simultaneously illuminated by the planar light illumination beam and imaged within the field of view and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael D. Schnee, Ka Man Au, Allan Wirth, Timothy A. Good, Andrew Jankevics, Sankar Ghosh, Charles A. Naylor, Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, William Svedas, Shawn Defoney, Edward Skypala, Pirooz Vatan, Russell Joseph Dobbs, George Kolis, Mark S. Schmidt, Jeffery Yorsz, Patrick A. Giordano, Stephen J. Colavito, David W. Wilz, Sr., Barry E. Schwartz, Steven Y. Kim, Dale Fisher, Jon Van Tassell
  • Patent number: 7654461
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc,
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Man Au, Mikhail Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Patent number: 7637433
    Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system comprising an illumination measurement subsystem for measuring the level of illumination at a particular region of the field of view (FOV) of the system during object illumination and imaging operations, and producing and storing an illumination measure for achieving a desired spatial intensity in a digital image to be formed and detected by the image formation and detection subsystem. An illumination control subsystem uses the illumination measure to control a LED-based illumination array during object illumination and imaging operations. A programmed image processor supports an image-processing based illumination metering program, as well as processes digital images formed and detected by the image formation and detection subsystem so as to read or acquire information graphically represented in the digital images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky
  • Patent number: 7637432
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Man Au, Michael Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mark Meagher, Timothy Good, Richard Hou, Daniel Hu
  • Patent number: 7624926
    Abstract: A hand-supportable digital-imaging based system for reading bar code symbols involving: automatically detecting the presence of an object within a field of view FOV of the system, and in response thereto, automatically generating an image cropping zone (ICZ) framing pattern and projecting the ICZ framing pattern within the FOV and onto the detected object; visually aligning the code symbol on the detected object, within the ICZ framing pattern; manually actuating a trigger switch when the code symbol on the object is located within the ICZ framing pattern, and while the ICZ framing pattern and a field of illumination are being simultaneously projected onto the object during object illumination operations, forming and capturing a digital image of the code symbol on the detected object; automatically cropping the image pixels contained within the spatial boundaries of the ICZ framing pattern, from the pixels of the digital image; and decode processing the cropped image so as to read one or more 1D and/or 2D cod
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky
  • Publication number: 20090278453
    Abstract: A class of luminescent gold(III) compounds containing a tridentate ligand with one strong ?-donating group having the chemical structure depicted by generic formula (I): wherein: (a) X is selected from nitrogen; (b) Y and Z selected from carbon; (c) A is cyclic structure derivative of pyridine group; (d) B and C are cyclic structure derivative of phenyl groups; (e) R1 is an optionally substituted carbon donor ligand attached to the gold atom; (f) n is zero, a positive integer or a negative integer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Vivian Wing-Wah YAM, Vonika Ka-Man AU, Mei-Yee CHAN, Keith Man-Chung WONG
  • Patent number: 7611064
    Abstract: A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system comprising an image sensing array with a field of view (FOV), an illumination subsystem with an LED illumination array, an automatic illumination measurement subsystem, an illumination control subsystem, and programmed imager processor supporting an image-processing based illumination metering program. The automatic illumination measurement subsystem, employing a photodetector operating independently from the image sensing array, is used to automatically measure the illumination level at a particular region of the FOV and determine the illumination duration necessary to achieve a desired spatial intensity in the detected digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Rui Hou, Hongpeng Yu, Xi Tao, Liang Liu, Wenhua Zhang, Anatoly Kotlarsky
  • Patent number: 7604175
    Abstract: A method of reading bar code symbols using a 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man 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. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7600689
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, Allan Wirth, Timothy A. Good, Andrew Jankevics, Steve Y. Kim, Thomas Amundsen, Charles A. Naylor, Russell Joseph Dobbs, Patrick A. Giordano, Jeffery Yorsz, Mark S. Schmidt, Stephen J. Colavito, David M. Wilz, Sr., Ka Man Au, William Svedas, Sankar Ghosh, Michael D. Schnee, Xiaoxun Zhu, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7594609
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Man Au, Mikhail Veksland, Xiaoxun Zhu
  • Patent number: 7588190
    Abstract: A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system having a hands-on mode operation and a hands-free presentation mode of operation, and supporting automatic programming of system parameters for automatic configuration of the system in hands-on and hands-free modes of operation. The system comprises: an image formation and detection subsystem; an illumination subsystem; a digital image processing subsystem; a system control subsystem for managing system parameters, and controlling and/or coordinating operations of the system; and a configuration detection mechanism. The image formation and detection subsystem has the area-type image sensing array for detecting digital images of objects formed thereon by image formation optics providing a field of view (FOV) for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man Au, Xi Tao, Anatoly Kotlarsky, Mark Schmidt, Garrett Russell, John Bonanno, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 7584893
    Abstract: A tunnel-type digital imaging system for use within retail shopping environments such as supermarkets. The system includes a tunnel configuration arranged about a conveyor structure for transporting objects therethrough, and an image capturing and processing subsystem embodied within the tunnel configuration, for generating a 3D digital imaging volume above the conveyor structure and within the tunnel configuration, for capturing digital 1D images of objects transported through the 3D digital imaging volume. The image capturing and processing subsystem includes a plurality of illumination and imaging stations. Each station includes a 2D imaging array having optics providing a 3D field of view (FOV) on the 2D imaging array that is projected and extends into the 3D digital imaging volume, and one or more light emitting devices configured together to produce an illumination beam that extends into the 3D FOV of the 2D imaging array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael D. Schnee, Ka Man Au, Allan Wirth, Timothy A. Good, Andrew Jankevics, Sankar Ghosh, Charles A. Naylor, Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, William Svedas, Shawn Defoney, Edward Skypala, Pirooz Vatan, Russell Joseph Dobbs, George Kolis, Mark C. Schmidt, Jeffery Yorsz, Patrick A. Giordano, Stephen J. Colavito, David W. Wilz, Sr., Barry E. Schwartz, Steven Y. Kim, Dale Fisher, Jon Van Tassell
  • Patent number: 7581681
    Abstract: A tunnel-type digital imaging system for use within retail shopping environments such as supermarkets. The system includes a tunnel configuration arranged about a conveyor structure for transporting objects therethrough, and an image capturing and processing subsystem embodied within the tunnel configuration, for generating a 3D digital imaging volume above the conveyor structure and within the tunnel configuration, for capturing digital 1D images of objects transported through the 3D imaging volume. The image capturing and processing subsystem includes a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael D. Schnee, Ka Man Au, Allan Wirth, Timothy A. Good, Andrew Jankevics, Sankar Ghosh, Charles A. Naylor, Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, William Svedas, Shawn Defoney, Edward Skypala, Pirooz Vatan, Russell Joseph Dobbs, George Kolis, Mark C. Schmidt, Jeffery Yorsz, Patrick A. Giordano, Stephen J. Colavito, David W. Wilz, Sr., Barry E. Schwartz, Steven Y. Kim, Dale Fisher, Jon Van Tassell
  • Patent number: 7575167
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Ka Man Au, Xiaoxun Zhu
  • Patent number: 7568625
    Abstract: A method of reading bar code symbols comprising the steps of: (a) projecting an image cropping zone (ICZ) framing pattern within the FOV of an image sensing array during wide-area illumination and image capturing operation; (b) visually aligning an object to be imaged within the ICZ framing pattern; (c) forming and capturing an wide-area image of the entire FOV, which spatially encompasses the ICZ framing pattern aligned about the object to be imaged; (d) using automatic software-based image cropping algorithm to automatically crop the pixels within the spatial boundaries defined by the ICZ framing pattern, from those pixels contained in the entire wide-area image frame captured during step (c); and (e) automatically decode processing the image represented by the cropped image pixels in the ICZ framing pattern so as to read a 1D or 2D bar code symbol graphically represented therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Metpologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoxun Zhu, Yong Liu, Ka Man 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. Harry Knowles