Ipventure, Inc.

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company, Limited

Kwok Wai Cheung

C Douglass Thomas

Peter P Tong

Yu Liu

Ka Ho Ng

Ka Man Wong

Lai-Man Po

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.

Method and apparatus for directional sound

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.

Hearing enhancement methods and systems

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.

Comfortable seating arrangements with easy access

Method and apparatus for directional sound applicable to vehicles

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.

Method and apparatus to manage messaging providing different communication modes using one identifier and not requiring to disclose contact information

Methods and systems to produce audio output signals from audio input signals. In one embodiment, a first portion of the audio input signals can be pre-processed, with the output used to modulate ultrasonic carrier signals, thereby producing modulated ultrasonic signals. The modulated ultrasonic signals can be transformed into a first portion of the audio output signals, which is directional. Based on a second portion of the audio input signals, a standard audio speaker can output a second portion of the audio output signals. Another embodiment further produces distortion compensated signals based on the pre-processed signals. The distortion compensated signals can be subtracted from the second portion of the audio input signals to generate inputs for the standard audio speaker to output the second portion of the audio output signals. In yet another embodiment, noise can be added during pre-processing of the first portion of the audio input signals.

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic directional sound applicable to vehicles

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.

Method and apparatus to manage messaging providing different communication modes depending on one identifier and not requiring to disclose contact information

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, receives a message with a user identifier from a person's wireless device; receives a communication option from the person based on options provided to the person, with all the options using the user identifier, in view of the portal being based on the Internet protocol; permits the user to block the person from accessing the user; enables the message to be received by the user if the person is not blocked by the user; and determines user availability to receive the message. In the embodiment, the apparatus requires user contact information for the user to receive messages, with the user contact information not provided to the person, and with the user contact information being distinct from the user identifier.

Growing community of inventors

Hong Kong, China

Kwok Wai Cheung