Abstract: A fire detection device and method therefor are able to provide automatic activation so as to extinguish a fire. The fire detection can be rapid and temperature-based. In one embodiment, a heat collector can be provided to enhance thermal responsiveness. Activation of the fire detection device can be electrically induced to release an extinguishing agent at the fire. The activation can be protected such that it is durable and unaffected by vibrations.

Abstract: Techniques for providing wearable electronic devices with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear to facilitate audio support including enhanced hearing. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. The wearable electronic devices with electronic components can, for example, provide audio output, audio enhancements, or event-related audio content.

Abstract: Different embodiments on hearing enhancement enhancing a user's hearing. For example, a system can include an interface unit with a directional speaker and a microphone. The microphone captures input audio signals that are transformed into ultrasonic signals. The speaker transmits the ultrasonic signals, which are transformed into output audio signals by interaction with air. At least part of the output audio signals is modified to enhance the hearing of the user. Based on the system, the user's ear remains free from any inserted objects and thus is free from annoying occlusion effects. Compared to existing hearing aids, the system is relatively inexpensive. In another embodiment, the system can also be used as a phone. In another embodiment, the system can also access audio signals from other portable or non-portable instruments, wired or wirelessly, such as from home entertainment units, phones, microphones at a conference or speakers at a movie theater.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus regarding electronic eyewear are disclosed. Different embodiments can be applicable for seniors. One embodiment includes an eyewear that can charge when placed in an eyewear case. A user can access a live operator by tapping a button at the eyewear. The live operator can connect the user to a person. The eyewear can detect falls. In another embodiment, the eyewear with a digital assistant can be voice activated, and can provide assistance via the digital assistant. In yet another embodiment, the eyewear includes a position identifying system to identify a position of the eyewear. In one embodiment, the eyewear could wirelessly interact with a device coupled to an apparatus in the vicinity of the eyewear.

Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear, such as within an extended endpiece or a removable temple (or temple part). The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to analyze and present location information in an easy-to-digest manner are disclosed. In one embodiment, each piece of location information can include a piece of location-designating information and a piece of location-related information. Location-designating information is primarily for identifying location. Location-related information is information related to location-designating information. The location-designating information and the location-related information can be supplied by a mobile device. With the help of location-related information, each piece of location-designating information can be more accurately transformed into a label to help identify a location. The amount of location information can be reduced. All of the location-designating information pertaining to a given area can be consolidated into one piece of location-designating information related to the label.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hydration sensor or sensing element is configured to measure the hydration level of a user. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based messaging systems with database management for supporting based inter-user communications, such as via computing devices, are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate improved message transmission management for more efficient communications. The methods and systems can provide enhanced electronic communications, such as via electronic mail or text messaging. Improved communication tools are provided to better manage and/or control communications. The computing devices can be personal communication/computing devices, such as mobile, portable or handheld computing devices (e.g., smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, etc.).

Abstract: Method and apparatus to analyze and present location information in an easy-to-digest manner are disclosed. In one embodiment, each piece of location information can include a piece of location-designating information and a piece of location-related information. Location-designating information is primarily for identifying location. Location-related information is information related to location-designating information. The location-designating information and the location-related information can be supplied by a mobile device. With the help of location-related information, each piece of location-designating information can be more accurately transformed into a label to help identify a location. The amount of location information can be reduced. All of the location-designating information pertaining to a given area can be consolidated into one piece of location-designating information related to the label.

Abstract: Eyewear having monitoring capability, such as for radiation or motion, is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Motion can be measure by a detector, and the measured motion can be used to determine whether the eyewear is being worn.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hydration sensor or sensing element is configured to measure the hydration level of a user. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: Techniques for location tracking, location utilization, and dissemination and management of location information are disclosed. As a location monitoring system, one embodiment includes at least a plurality of mobile computing devices supported by a wireless network, and a computing device coupled to a wired network (e.g., the Internet) that couples to the wireless network. Each of the mobile computing devices is associated with and proximate to an object whose location is being monitored. The computing device stores the locations of each of the mobile computing devices or the objects proximate thereto, and enables only authorized users to obtain access the locations via the wired network.

Abstract: Eyewear having monitoring capability, such as for radiation or motion, is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Motion can be measure by a detector, and the measured motion can be used to determine whether the eyewear is being worn.

Abstract: Different embodiments of methods and apparatus to produce audio output signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic speaker outputting ultrasonic signals can be transformed into first audio output signals, which are directional. A non-ultrasonic speaker can output second audio output signals. The embodiment can be configured to output the first audio output signals or the second audio output signals in a vehicle. Another embodiment can be configured to output the first and the second audio output signals together. Yet another embodiment can be configured to be personalized to hearing characteristics of a user, or to depend on sound level of an environment of the user. One embodiment can include a directional speaker attached to a vehicle, with its output steerable towards a user in the vehicle.

Abstract: Improved approaches for tracking and monitoring status of articles are disclosed. The monitoring can produce notifications to interested parties. The notifications typically contain status information pertaining to the articles being tracked. Alternatively, interested parties can gain access to status information pertaining to the articles being tracked via a website. According to one embodiment, the status information includes at least position (location) information and shipping conditions information. Also disclosed are improved approaches for monitoring real time status information impacting inventory management of a company and/or its partners. Adverse changes in the status information of specific items can be identified in real time, and changes implemented as needed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based messaging systems with database management for supporting based inter-user communications, such as via computing devices, are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate improved message transmission management for more efficient communications. The methods and systems can provide enhanced electronic communications, such as via electronic mail or text messaging. Improved communication tools are provided to better manage and/or control communications. The computing devices can be personal communication/computing devices, such as mobile, portable or handheld computing devices (e.g., smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, etc.).

Abstract: A seating arrangement with improved seating comfort. In one embodiment, the seating arrangement is for a transportation vehicle. The arrangement includes seats at least having two levels adjacent to single-level seats. The multi-level seats include at least a bottom row of seats and a top row of seats. In one embodiment, the bottom row seats are on a floor; and there is an imaginary horizontal plane that is parallel to the floor, and that at least a part of the top row seats and at least a part of the bottom row seats intersect. The single-level seats include at least two rows, with at least one seat in each row being adjacent to the aisle, to allow passengers to access the single-level seats. In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes only multi-level seats. In yet another embodiment, a computer-implemented method is applicable to the seats, such as allowing the display of a visual representation of a top-row seat and a bottom-row seat.

Abstract: Electronic eyewear configured to provide health condition or health risk monitoring or guidance to its user. Electronic eyewear, when being worn, is conveniently positioned to provide health condition or health risk monitoring. The eyewear can include various detectors for monitoring health conditions. The eyewear can also monitor the geographic location of the eyewear, which can impact risk level to the user. The eyewear can also measure distance to other persons for risk monitoring and/or facilitating contact tracing. The eyewear can serve to alert its user or facilitate alerting others. The user of the eyewear can configure a risk profile so that the eyewear provides customized health condition or health risk monitoring. Other embodiments can assist a user who is ill, such as, for example, by monitoring their health, monitoring for particular illnesses, tracking worsening conditions, and/or providing guidance to the user.

Abstract: Different embodiments of methods and apparatus to produce audio output signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic speaker outputting ultrasonic signals can be transformed into first audio output signals, which are directional. A non-ultrasonic speaker can output second audio output signals. The embodiment can be configured to output the first audio output signals or the second audio output signals in a vehicle. Another embodiment can be configured to output the first and the second audio output signals together. Yet another embodiment can be configured to be personalized to hearing characteristics of a user, or to depend on sound level of an environment of the user. One embodiment can include a directional speaker attached to a vehicle, with its output steerable towards a user in the vehicle.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for position acquisition and/or monitoring are disclosed. The position acquisition and/or monitoring can be performed with improved intelligence so that data acquisition, transmission and/or processing is reduced. As a result, the position acquisition and/or monitoring is able to be performed in a power efficient manner.