Patents by Inventor Peter P. Tong
Peter P. Tong 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).
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Publication number: 20240094800Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector. The headset can also include a touch-sensitive input surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Patent number: 11921355Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2023Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Publication number: 20240036361Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Publication number: 20240040345Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to manage the communication of a user are disclosed. In one embodiment, when a person tries to electronically convey a message to the user, the status of the user, the identity of the person, and the urgency of the message can be identified. The access priority of the person can be determined based on the person's identity. Then, the message can be managed using one or more rules and in view of the status of the user, the access priority of the person and the urgency of the message. In one embodiment, the message can be received by the user via a headset.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Patent number: 11869526Abstract: Different embodiments on hearing enhancement methods and systems to enhance a user's hearing. In one embodiment, a system includes a headset. The headset can 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. The headset includes a wireless communication component to receive signals from an instrument, a down-convert circuitry, a speaker and a microphone to pickup sound in a headset environment. The headset is configured to modify audio output signals based on the pickup sound to at least reduce noise in the audio output signals to help the user hear audio signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2023Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Patent number: 11852901Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a lens holder, a first temple with a first end close to the lens holder and a second end, a second temple, an electrical connector and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board with at least one electrical component can be in the first temple. The connector can be close to the first end of the first temple, facing downward, and electrically connected to the at least one electrical component. In another embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a first printed circuit board, with at least one electrical component. The first printed circuit board can be connected to an electrical component at the frame via a second printed circuit board. In an embodiment, a pair of glasses can perform hearing enhanced functions to enhance audio signals for the user to hear. One embodiment is configured to be a headset.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Publication number: 20230408850Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Patent number: 11829518Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2023Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Publication number: 20230371892Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor or sensing element is configured to measure a health condition of a user. In one embodiment, the sensing element includes two water-impermeable layers with conductive lines in between. 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. The sensing element or sensor can be for a skin-care product for the skin of the user. The skin-care product can include lotion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, Angeline Hadiwidjaja, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Publication number: 20230359266Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Patent number: 11806164Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, Angeline Hadiwidjaja, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Patent number: 11803069Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset at least with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2023Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Patent number: 11800329Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to manage the communication of a user are disclosed. In one embodiment, when a person tries to electronically convey a message to the user, the status of the user, the identity of the person, and the urgency of the message can be identified. The access priority of the person can be determined based on the person's identity. Then, the message can be managed using one or more rules and in view of the status of the user, the access priority of the person and the urgency of the message. In one embodiment, the message can be received by the user via a headset.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: IngenioShare, LLCInventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Patent number: 11792316Abstract: Improved approaches for users of electronic devices to communicate with one another are disclosed. The electronic devices have audio and/or textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences, prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or textual messages.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.Inventors: C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Patent number: 11762224Abstract: 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. 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Publication number: 20230274752Abstract: Different embodiments on hearing enhancement methods and systems to enhance a user's hearing. In one embodiment, a system includes a headset. The headset can 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. The headset includes a wireless communication component to receive signals from an instrument, a down-convert circuitry, a speaker and a microphone to pickup sound in a headset environment. The headset is configured to modify audio output signals based on the pickup sound to at least reduce noise in the audio output signals to help the user hear audio signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Publication number: 20230273464Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Patent number: 11733549Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
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Publication number: 20230253001Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Patent number: 11721183Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong