Sound is an essential conduit for the acquisition and expression of information, playing a pivotal role in our daily communication and the way we interact with the world. As we witness the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, large-scale models, the Internet of Things, and communication technologies, the significance of sound in our lives is set to soar to new heights.
1.From Germination to Formation
I have been engaged in the field of sound for nearly two decades. My graduate research focused on the development of a speech recognition system for in-vehicle environments, which laid a solid foundation for my subsequent entrepreneurial endeavors. Although I have achieved some success in speech recognition and spoken language assessment, the issue of noise interference has always been a persistent challenge. Through repeated failures and explorations, I gradually realized that it was imperative to find a solution that could effectively deal with the noise problem.
2.Challenges in the Early Stages of Entrepreneurship
In the year 2005, the inception of Beijing LingShengXin Speech Technology Co., Ltd.(abbreviation: VoiceOn) marked a pivotal moment, which would later evolve into Shenzhen Huangli Technologies Co., Ltd. (abbreviation: Huangli) Armed with pioneering Speaker-independent speech recognition technology, the company has been at the forefront of crafting innovative embedded speech recognition solutions, setting the stage for a legacy of technological advancement in the field of voice technology.
In 2007, in collaboration with HRL(an US company), we launched the world's first voice dialing software for the iPhone - VoiceDialer, which resonated well with users and achieved commendable success in the market. However, the issue of noise remains our biggest challenge.
3.Specialized in Speech Evaluation and Noise Reduction Technology
In the journey of VoiceOn, the quest to conquer noise has been a central research endeavor. The year 2009 saw us take on the monumental task of developing an automatic scoring system for spoken English for the College English Test (CET), the largest English single-subject examination globally. This milestone marked the creation of China's pioneering automatic machine scoring system for English speaking skills.
Fast forward to 2013, we launched the ""AKYC Chinese Spoken Language Assessment Engine"", which seamlessly interfaces with the ""Chinese as a Foreign Language Teaching System"" of the National Ministry of Education's Center for Language Education and Cooperation (formerly known as the Office of Chinese Language Promotion, or ""Hanban""). Despite these advancements, noise has remained a pivotal challenge in the realm of speech recognition and spoken language assessment, a factor that consistently impacts the performance of our systems."
4.Embracing the Challenge, Unraveling the Mysteries of Human Auditory Noise Reduction
From 2007, our journey into noise reduction technology has spanned over a decade. It was a quest that led us to a significant discovery. We recognized that while previous approaches had isolated the human ear or the brain for study, the true essence of auditory perception is a synergistic outcome of both the ear and the brain's auditory processing centers.
5.Birth of the "Black Technology"
Through relentless years of innovative research, the VoiceOn team has masterfully fused the power of microphone arrays, auditory scene analysis, filter banks, and deep learning to give birth to "Intelligent Voice Front-End Processing Technology." At the prestigious BIG DATE EXPO in 2019, this groundbreaking innovation was honored with the Leading Technological Achievement Award - "Black Tech" by the esteemed National Ministry of Science and Technology. This pioneering technology stands out for its ability to navigate the cacophony of noise, adeptly isolating and capturing valuable sounds as if crafting an ethereal, soundproof sanctuary around the source of the sound.
6.Founding of Huangli and Product Exploration
In 2019, I spearheaded the establishment of Shenzhen Huangli Technologies Co., Ltd., where we embarked on an ambitious project to encapsulate our pioneering 'black technology' into compact chips, meticulously crafting and refining them to cater to a spectrum of application scenarios. The following year, 2020, marked a milestone with the launch of our inaugural environmental noise cancellation (abbreviation: ENC)headset, the G100u. This innovative product quickly gained the favor of leading clients in the online education industry. Our journey continued with the development of an array of environmental noise canceling headsets and tailored solutions, which have been successfully implemented across diverse domains including remote work, online education, call centers, and spoken language training. These products have effectively addressed the persistent challenge of noise interference, ushering in a new era of clear and uninterrupted communication.
7.Continuous Innovation and Market Expansion - Officially Launch the Brand-OLEAP
In the pivotal year of 2022, Huangli took a bold step forward by officially launching the brand OLEAP, marking a new chapter in our commitment to innovation and excellence. With an eye on global expansion, we strategically established Oleap Technology International Limited in Hong Kong(abbreviation: Oleap), setting the stage for our international strategy. Kicking off the year on a high note, Oleap secured its first round of financing in January, achieving a significant valuation of over 100 million yuan. This financial milestone paved the way for our groundbreaking product launch later in the year. We proudly presented the P200b, the world's first open ear ENC headset, which quickly captured the attention and support of over 4,000 backers on Kickstarter, securing its position as the top choice in its category.
In the landmark year of 2023, the P200b headset received the esteemed Red Dot Design Award, a testament to our commitment to excellence in both design and functionality. With this accolade, we marked a significant milestone in our journey towards consumer market penetration. Our strategic expansion has been comprehensive, leading to the initial establishment of a robust sales network that transcends geographical boundaries and seamlessly integrates online and offline platforms, paving the way for a global presence and enhanced consumer reach.
8.Facing the Future
With an unwavering commitment to innovation and groundbreaking advancements, Oleap has made significant strides in the realm of environmental noise cancellation technology. Our achievements transcend the mere mitigation of noise; we have mastered the art of call noise cancellation, empowering users to engage in crystal-clear conversations even amidst the cacophony of a noisy environment. This technological triumph not only addresses a critical user need but also redefines the communication experience, ensuring that clarity and understanding are never compromised by background noise.
Looking ahead, the convergence of our advanced environmental noise cancellation technology with a suite of sophisticated technologies—ranging from speech recognition and voice wake-up to emotional analysis, voiceprint identification, and sound scene analysis—will usher in a new era of voice interconnectivity. This integration will not only amplify the capabilities of our systems but will also drive forward the seamless integration of sound in our digital lives, advancing the comprehensive realization of sound as a universal connector among all things.
