Wai-Ming Lai

Title: **Innovative Contributions of Inventor Wai-Ming Lai**

Introduction

Wai-Ming Lai, an accomplished inventor based in Dallas, TX, has made significant strides in the field of sound synthesis. With a total of four patents to his name, Lai's work focuses on enhancing the capabilities of audio technology, making it more efficient and versatile.

Latest Patents

Lai's latest innovations include two notable patents. The first is the "Synthesis of High-Pitched Sounds," which advances the synthesis of high-pitched voices and sounds. This invention employs a method of downshifting the pitch of the original input sound prior to Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) analysis. The technique involves upsampling, low-pass filtering, downsampling, and time-scale modification to achieve the desired audio quality and pitch control.

The second patent, "Synthesis of Percussion Musical Instrument Sounds," introduces a novel approach using a microprocessor to implement an all-pole lattice filter. This technology allows for the synthesis of percussion instrument sounds by applying an impulse signal or a sequence of excitation signals stored in memory. The method involves storing digital samples of desired musical notes, performing a Fourier transformation to identify frequency peaks, and estimating the time envelope to create decaying sine waves, ultimately enhancing the authenticity of percussion sounds.

Career Highlights

Wai-Ming Lai is a prominent member of Texas Instruments Corporation, a leading company in semiconductor technology and innovation. His contributions to the field have not only advanced the technologies employed in sound synthesis but have also solidified his reputation as a pioneering inventor.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Lai has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Vishu R Viswanathan and Alan V McCree. These partnerships have allowed for a creative exchange of ideas and fostered an environment that encourages innovation.

Conclusion

Wai-Ming Lai’s inventions reflect a keen understanding of audio technology and a passion for enhancing sound synthesis. His work at Texas Instruments Corporation and his collaborations with distinguished peers highlight his commitment to advancing the field of audio engineering. With a promising trajectory ahead, Lai continues to influence the landscape of sound innovation.