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).

  • Method and apparatus to manage messaging providing different communication modes depending on one identifier and not requiring to disclose contact information
    Patent number: 10492038
    Abstract: A number of embodiments regarding computer-implemented systems and methods to manage electronic communications are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus, using at least a network-based portal based on Internet protocol, provides different communication modes to a first user, with messages eligible to be received by a second user based on any of the modes, depending on an identifier associated with the second user; and receives an indication from the first user to select a communication mode for a message for the second user. In the embodiment, the apparatus could receive contact information associated with the second user to allow the second user to participate, with the contact information not provided to the first user even when the message is received by the second user, and with the contact information being distinct from the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS REGARDING ELECTRONIC EYEWEAR APPLICABLE FOR SENIORS
    Publication number: 20190318589
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • EYEWEAR WITH DETECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20190310132
    Abstract: Eyewear having monitoring capability, such as for radiation, 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. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: THOMAS A. HOWELL, DAVID CHAO, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
    Publication number: 20190306304
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
    Publication number: 20190306305
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • EYEWEAR WITH PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
    Publication number: 20190285913
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • EYEWEAR WITH TOUCH-SENSITIVE INPUT SURFACE
    Publication number: 20190278110
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame, electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewear frame, and a touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the electrical circuitry to perform a function via touching the touch sensitive input surface. In another embodiment, the eyewear includes a switch with at least two operational states. The operational states of the switch can be configured to be changed by sliding a finger across the touch sensitive input surface of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HYDRATION LEVEL OF A PERSON
    Publication number: 20190246976
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, Angeline Hadiwidjaja, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas, Corrine Schrall
  • Eyewear with radiation detection system
    Patent number: 10359311
    Abstract: Eyewear having radiation monitoring capability 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. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING AND PRESENTING LOCATION AND LOCATION-RELATED INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20190215643
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Chung Lau, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Eyewear with touch-sensitive input surface
    Patent number: 10345625
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame, electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewear frame, and a touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the electrical circuitry to perform a function via touching the touch sensitive input surface. In another embodiment, the eyewear includes a switch with at least two operational states. The operational states of the switch can be configured to be changed by sliding a finger across the touch sensitive input surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS TO COMPOSE A STORY FOR A USER DEPENDING ON AN ATTRIBUTE OF THE USER
    Publication number: 20190204908
    Abstract: Different computing methods and systems to at least compose at least a portion of a story are disclosed. In one embodiment, the story can be presented by an electronic device. The device includes a sensor regarding an attribute of the user. The story can depend on the attribute. In one embodiment, the attribute is a behavior of the user. In another embodiment, the attribute can be a location of the user, or a social network of the user. The story can include a story theme and a non-story theme. The story theme can convey a concept, and the non-story theme can include scenes, scripts and/or props. The attribute can affect the story theme, the non-story theme, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Peter P. Tong
  • Eyewear supporting electrical components and apparatus therefor
    Patent number: 10330956
    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. 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • EYEWEAR HOUSING FOR CHARGING EMBEDDED BATTERY IN EYEWEAR FRAME
    Publication number: 20190187492
    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. 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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Eyewear with printed circuit board
    Patent number: 10310296
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thoas, Peter P Tong
  • PERSONAL ACTIVITY MONITORING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20190142306
    Abstract: An activity feedback system for an individual is disclosed. The activity feedback system can be wearable by the individual and provide activity information and possibly other information to the individual. The individual can, for example, be a pregnant woman. The activity information can, for example, be used by a pregnant woman to monitor the amount of activity by the woman during as well as after her pregnancy. Besides activity information, the activity feedback system can also monitor, record or provide other information that is beneficial for individuals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, Angeline Hadiwidjaja, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Method and apparatus to sense hydration level of a person
    Patent number: 10258278
    Abstract: 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 materials. 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, Angeline Hadiwidjaja, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas, Corrine Schrall
  • Method and apparatus to tell a story that depends on user attributes
    Patent number: 10261575
    Abstract: Different methods and systems for a new-era electronic book are disclosed. In one embodiment, the content of the book can be presented by an electronic presentation device. The device includes a display to present the content to a user; a sensor to sense the user; and a processor. The processor can become aware of an attribute of the user, and change a portion of the content of the electronic book to be presented accordingly. In one embodiment, the attribute is a behavior of the user. In another embodiment, the attribute can be a location of the user, or a social network of the user. The book can include a story and a non-story theme. The story theme can convey a concept, and the non-story theme can include scenes, scripts and/or props. The portion changed can be the story or the non-story theme, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventors: Chi Fai Ho, Peter P. Tong
  • ELECTRONIC TRANSDERMAL CHEMICAL DELIVERY
    Publication number: 20190046780
    Abstract: Improved approaches to provide or facilitate transdermal chemical delivery to an individual are disclosed. The individual can wear an electronic transdermal chemical delivery device that delivers at least one chemical to the individual's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • EYEWEAR SUPPORTING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20190033623
    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. 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong