Handover of call serviced by modular ear-piece/microphone between servicing base portions

Handover of call serviced by modular ear-pience/microphone between servicing base portions is presented. A wireless headset includes wireless interface(s), earpiece, a microphone, processing module, and a user interface. The wireless interface(s) wirelessly couples the wireless headset to a base unit via a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The earpiece renders inbound portions of the service calls audible while the microphone is operable to produce the outbound portion of the call. Both the earpiece and microphone are communicatively coupled to the wireless interface(s). The processing module also coupled to the wireless interface(s) allows the wireless headset to initiate call functions between the wireless headset and a servicing network made available through the base unit, service a call and call control functions, and anchor the call to the wireless headset. The user interface in conjunction with the processing module allows the wireless headset to initiate commands and/or call control functions based upon user input.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to wireless communications and more particularly to a modular wireless multimedia device operable to support enhanced call functions.

2. Background of the Invention

Wireless communications offer users the ability to be “wired” from almost anywhere in the world. Cellular telephones, satellite telephones, wireless local area networks, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with radio frequency (RF) interfaces, laptop computers with RF interfaces and other such devices enable these wireless communications. Such wireless communications have been extended to personal wireless networks, such as these defined by the Bluetooth specification. Not only have cellular telephones become very popular, but Wireless Local Area Networking (WLAN) devices have also proliferated. One standard for wireless networking, which has been widely accepted, is the Specification of the Bluetooth System, v. 1.0 (“Bluetooth Specification”).

The Bluetooth Specification enables the creation of small personal area networks (PAN'S) where the typical operating range of a device is 10 meters or less, or sometimes up to 100 meters under ideal conditions. In a Bluetooth system, Bluetooth devices sharing a common channel sequence form a piconet. Two or more piconets co-located in the same area, with or without inter-piconet communications, is known as a scatternet.

The Bluetooth Specification supports voice communications between Bluetooth enabled devices. When a pair of Bluetooth devices supports voice communication, the voice communications must be wirelessly supported in a continuous fashion so that carried voice signals are of an acceptable quality. One popular use of personal wireless networks couples a wireless headset(s) with cellular telephone(s), personal computer(s), and laptop(s), etc. The Bluetooth Specification provides specific guidelines for providing such wireless headset functionality.

Bluetooth provides a headset profile that defines protocols and procedures for implementing a wireless headset to a device private network. Once configured, the headset functions as the device's audio input and output. As further defined by the Bluetooth Specification, the headset must be able to send AT (Attention) commands and receive resulting codes, such that the headset can initiate and terminate calls. The Bluetooth Specification also defines certain headset profile restrictions. These restrictions include an assumption that the ultimate headset is assumed to be the only use case active between the two devices. The transmission of audio is based on continuously variable slope delta (CVSD) modulation. The result is monophonic audio of a quality without perceived audio degradation. Only one audio connection at a time is supported between the headset and audio gateway. The audio gateway controls the synchronous connection orientated (SCO) link establishment and release. The headset directly connects and disconnects the internal audio stream upon SCO link establishment and release. Once the link is established, valid speech exists on the SCO link in both directions. The headset profile offers only basic inoperability such that the handling of multiple calls or enhanced call functions at the audio gateway is not supported. Another limitation relates to the manner which Bluetooth devices service only single channel audio communications. In most cases, the Bluetooth device is simply a replacement for a wired headset. Such a use of the Bluetooth device, while providing benefits in mobility of the user, provides little additional benefit over wired devices. Because other wireless solutions provide many of the benefits that current Bluetooth devices provide in servicing voice communications, the needs for the complexities of the Bluetooth Specification are questioned.

Thus, there is a need for improved operations by WLAN devices servicing audio or multimedia communications that provide additional user functionality and improved service quality.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide for the handover of calls or audio communications serviced by wireless headsets between servicing base station(s) that substantially addresses the identified needs, as well as other needs. One embodiment provides a method to service calls between the destination terminal accessed through a servicing network. This involves establishing a first wireless personal area network (WPAN) that communicatively couples a first base unit and a wireless headset. The WPAN then communicatively couples to the servicing network through the first base unit. This allows the servicing of calls with a first communication pathway between the destination terminal and the wireless headset via the communicatively coupled servicing network and first WPAN. Should the wireless headset detect the presence of a second base unit a second WPAN is established or may be established between the second base unit and wireless headset. The second WPAN communicatively couples to the servicing network through the second base unit. This allows a second communication pathway to be established between the destination terminal and the wireless headset via the operably coupled servicing network and second WPAN. The WPANs each depend on the establishment of trusted relationships between the headsets and servicing base station(s).

In another embodiment, the wireless headset supports all of the WPAN protocol stack and a number of upper layers of the servicing network protocol stack. The first base unit supports a number of lower layers of the servicing network protocol stack. The processing of the servicing network protocol stack is divided between the wireless headset and the first base unit. A subscriber or system identification module (SIM) within the wireless headset may support or provide for SIM functionality for the first base unit.

The wireless headset may detect a second base unit where the second base unit like the first base unit supports a number of lower layers of the servicing network protocol stack. The presence of a second base unit allows a second WPAN to be established wherein the second WPAN communicatively couples the second base unit and the wireless headset. This allows the establishment of a second communication pathway from the headset to the destination terminal through the second WPAN and the servicing network. Once this second communication pathway has been established it is possible for the wireless headset to initiate a handoff of a serviced call from the first communication pathway to the second communication pathway. When the call has been switched to the second communication pathway the servicing of the call via the second communication pathway continues and the first communication pathway may be terminated.

The host device may be operable to generate inbound RF signals from playback baseband signals (e.g., digital audio, video, text or data signals produced by a CD player, DVD player, et cetera). The host device provides the playback baseband signals to the appropriate modular device via a physical connection when the detachable earpiece is physically coupled to the host module. Alternatively, the host device may provide inbound RF signals to the detachable modules via a wireless communication resource when the detachable modular devices are not physically coupled to the host module. The modular communication device may further include a detachable microphone module, video play, text display, or intelligent whiteboard. The host module may receive audio record baseband signals via a physical connection from the microphone module when the microphone module is physically coupled to the host module. When the microphone module is not physically coupled to the host module, the detachable microphone module converts the audio record baseband signals into outbound RF signals and provides the outbound RF signals to the host module via wireless communication resource(s). The user interface in this case may initiate network functions, playback commands or record commands.

FIG. 1is a diagram of a modular wireless headset10wirelessly coupled to host device16that includes earpiece12and microphone14. Earpiece12may be a separate physical device from microphone14. Accordingly, earpiece12and microphone14may be separate communication devices that individually communicate with host device16via separate communication pathways. As shown, earpiece12may communicate with host device16, which may be a cellular telephone, wire line telephone, laptop computer, personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc., using transceiver (or receiver)13ofFIG. 2via a first communication pathway18. Although shown as being external to earpiece12, transceivers13and15may be integrated within earpiece12and microphone14. Host device16is operable to establish a wireless pathway to earpiece12or microphone14. The microphone14may communicate with the host device16using transceiver (or transmitter)15ofFIG. 2via a second communication pathway20. Either or both earpiece12and microphone14may have a user interface22. If the communication pathways are established in accordance with the Bluetooth specification, communication resources18and20may be different timeslot allocations on the same synchronous connection orientated (SCO) link, or may be separate SCO links.

User interface22allows a user to initiate enhanced call functions or network hardware operations. These enhanced call functions include call initiation operations, call conferencing operations, call forwarding operations, call hold operations, call muting operations, and call waiting operations. Additionally, user interface22allows the user to access network interface functions, hardware functions, base unit interface functions, directory functions, caller ID functions, voice activated commands, playback commands and device programming functions. User interface22can be any combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display24, tactile interface as evidenced by buttons26, and/or an audio interface. Each of these devices, earpiece12, microphone14and host device16, may support one or more versions of the Bluetooth Specification or other wireless protocols. A Bluetooth “scatternet” is formed from multiple “piconets” with overlapping coverage

A user of wireless headset10may establish communications with any available host device in a piconet. Wireless headset10may have a minimal user interface22where a single authenticate button26initiates joining of a piconet. Wireless headset10may reside within the service coverage area of each of multiple host devices. Thus, when wireless headset10enters (or powers up in) an area with more than one functioning piconets, a user may depress authenticate button26, use a voice command or other means to start the authentication process. With the authenticate button depressed, the wireless headset attempts to establish a piconet with host device16. Subsequent authentication operations are required to have the wireless headset join the selected piconet. These subsequent authentication operations may include prompting the user for selection of the piconet, requiring that an entry be previously made in an access list to allow wireless headset10to join the piconet, or other complete authentication operations. These operations may involve accessing information from memory within the headset. For example, SIM module information may be contained and used to authenticate with either or both the base unit and servicing network.

Once wireless multimedia device or headset10joins a respective piconet, wireless multimedia device or headset10establishes an audio link with the host device via respective WLAN links. Such calls will be received and managed by host device16or multimedia device or headset10. Management duties for the calls may be divided between host device15and multimedia device or headset10. Processing of the protocol may be divided between the headset and base unit. Integrated circuits in either headset10or host device16support the protocol stack.

FIG. 2is a diagram of a modular wireless multimedia device that includes an earpiece12, a microphone14, display/camera17, and a portable touch-screen/whiteboard19. Microphone14, earpiece12, display/camera17and portable touch-screen/whiteboard19may each be a separate physical device. In one embodiment earpiece12is a separate device from microphone14, that together function to provide the optionally modular wireless headset shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, earpiece12, microphone14, display/camera17, and a portable touch-screen/whiteboard19are separate communication devices that may individually communicate with host devices via separate or shared communication pathways. A single communication pathway using time division may be used to communicate between earpiece12, microphone14, display/camera17, portable touch-screen/whiteboard19and host devices30-37or access point21. This communication may be secured by encryption, validation, or other like methods known to those skilled in the art and may support one-way or two-way audio, video or text communications. One way communications allow the devices to act as receivers to broadcast information, while two-way communications allow real-time audio or video communications such as phone or radio communications which may be augmented with data and text to support interactive net meetings.

Earpiece12, once authorized or validated, may communicate with host device16, whichFIG. 3depicts as a cellular telephone, wire line telephone, Ethernet telephone, laptop computer, personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc, using transceiver (or receiver)13via a first communication pathway18. Host device16is operable to establish a wireless pathway to earpiece12or microphone14. The microphone14, once authorized or validated, may communicate with the host device16using transceiver (or transmitter)15via a second communication pathway20. Display/camera17and portable touch-screen/whiteboard19may communicate with the host device16using transceivers (or transmitters)25and27via communication pathways21and23, respectively. Communications between the headset may be handed off from a first host device16to a second host device as will be discussed in further detail with respect toFIGS. 11 and 12.

If the communication pathways are established in accordance with the Bluetooth specification, communication resources may be different timeslot allocations on the same synchronous connection orientated (SCO) link, or may be separate SCO links. These communication pathways may be secured by encryption, validation, pairing, or other like means to secure the communications exchanged with the host device. Validation or pairing may prevent unauthorized devices from communicatively coupling to the host device.

The quality of data provided to these devices may be adjusted according to which devices are actually present and supported. For example, audio quality can be improved and may even support stereo. This option may limit resources provided to microphone14, display/camera17, or whiteboard19to service multi-channel audio. Another example may favor the use of only earphone12and display/camera17to view streamed video and audio content. To coordinate the presentation of both audio and video in such an example, the earphone12and display/camera17and their received communications may be synchronized to provide a quality viewing experience. Similarly, to coordinate the presentation of multiple audio channels, earphones12may be synchronized in order to provide a quality experience. To coordinate the presentation of real-time two-way audio earphones12and microphone14may be synchronized such that unacceptable delays do not exist within exchanged voice communications. This coordination ensures there is no undue delay between the presentations provided by these individual devices allowing the user to perceive a seamless presentation. This embodiment allows the multimedia device to support net-meetings that require the delivery of complete Internet conferencing solutions with multi-point data conferencing, text chat, whiteboard, and file transfer, as well as point-to-point audio and video. Additionally, this allows the multimedia device to coordinate the presentation of these different media formats without necessarily requiring shared physical connections of these devices.

Direct connectivity previously limited the physical structure that could be used for a wireless headset or multimedia devices that supports net-meetings. In many cases, this results in headsets or multimedia devices that are cumbersome to use and uncomfortable to wear. The protocol used between host devices, access points and other communicatively coupled devices may allow the host device or access point to send data to each device in a coordinated manner that allows for the synchronized presentation of multimedia content by the devices. For example, one embodiment may allocate a predetermined portion of each data transmission for each media format. This would allow host device16to transmit the same data to each device, wherein each device only processes that content intended for that device. In another embodiment, host device or access point communicates in parallel with each device. By coordinating the data or packets exchanged with the devices, their individual presentations may be synchronized.

Earpiece12and microphone14may have on-chip operations to support call conferencing, call waiting, flash, and other features associated with telephones or net-meetings. These functions may me accessed and reviewed by a user interface and display within the host device or a user interface and display located on or coupled to either earphone12or microphone14. The user interface and display, located on or coupled to either the host device or earphone12or microphone14may have a display and button(s) that may be used to program device, perform directory functions including selecting number to call, view caller ID, initiate call waiting, or initiate call conferencing. Additionally, circuitry within earphone12or microphone14may enable voice activated dialing. The actual voice recognition could be performed within earphone12, microphone14, or a host device. Thus, earphone12or microphone14may act to initiate calls and receive calls. A link between earphone12and microphone14would allow earphone12or microphone14to share resources, such as batter life, and allow earphone12or microphone14to be recharged from a host device.

Each of the devices30-37also includes piconet RF interface38and/or wireless interface39. Piconet RF interface38may be constructed to support one or more versions of the Bluetooth specification. As such, each of the piconet RF interfaces38-36include a radio frequency transceiver that operates at 2.4 gigahertz and baseband processing for modulating and demodulating data that is transceived within a piconet. As such, universal wireless multimedia device10may be wirelessly coupled with any one of the devices30-37and act as the headset communicatively coupled to the devices30-37.

Devices30-37may further include a wireless LAN (WLAN) RF interface39. The wireless LAN RF interfaces39may be constructed in accordance with one or more versions of IEEE802.11 (a), (b), and/or (g) or other WLAN protocol known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, each of the WLAN RF interfaces39include an RF transceiver that may operate in the 2.4 gigahertz range and/or in the 5.25 or 5.75 gigahertz range and further includes baseband processing to modulate and demodulate data that is transceived over the corresponding wireless communication link.

Contrasting the functionality of the piconet RF interfaces with the WLAN RF interfaces, the piconet RF interfaces allow point-to-point communication between the associated devices, while the WLAN RF interfaces enable the associated devices to communicate indirectly via access point21. For example, via piconet RF interfaces38laptop34can communicate directly with cellular telephone36. In contrast, via WLAN RF interfaces39, laptop34communicates indirectly, via access point21, with cellular telephone36. In general, the coverage area of a piconet is significantly smaller than the coverage area of a WLAN. Thus, for example, if laptop16and cellular telephone36were unable to establish a piconet connection via piconet RF interfaces38due to distance between the devices, they would be able to establish a wireless communication link via the WLAN RF interfaces39and access point21. Dual communication pathways would allow communications to be switched between these communication pathways, dependent on factors such as audio quality, signal strength, and available bandwidth.

Universal wireless multimedia device10may establish a piconet with any one of the devices30-37or with access point21, which includes WLAN RF interface40and piconet RF interface38. As such, universal wireless multimedia device10may function as the headset for wire line telephone37, Ethernet telephone35, personal digital assistant30, personal computer32, laptop computer34and/or cellular telephone36provided a piconet can be established with the device. In accordance with the present invention, if a piconet cannot be established with the particular device, an extended network may be created utilizing the WLAN connectivity and at least one corresponding piconet.

For example, if a communication is to be processed via wire line telephone14(i.e., the host device for this example), but headset10is at a distance such that a piconet cannot be established between their piconet RF interfaces26and28. However, headset10is in range to establish a piconet with cellular telephone36, the piconet RF interfaces36and28of cellular telephone36and headset10, respectively, would establish a piconet. With this piconet established, cellular telephone36, via its WLAN RF interface48, establishes a wireless connection with access point21. Access point21then establishes a communication link with wire line telephone14. Thus, a logical connection is established between universal wireless multimedia device37and wire line telephone37via cellular telephone36and access point21. Note that wire line telephone37may be directly coupled to LAN connection50or coupled to a private branch exchange, which in turn is coupled to access point21. Accordingly, within a wireless geographic area, the range of universal wireless multimedia device10may be extended utilizing the WLAN within the geographic area. As such, universal multimedia device or headset10extends the mobility of its user, extends the range of headset use and expands on headset functionality. Alternatively, universal wireless multimedia device10may establish a piconet with cell phone36. This allows cell phone36to establish an alternate communication pathway for the communications serviced by wired phone14. Then it is possible for the call serviced by telephone37or35to be “handed off” to cell phone36.

FIG. 4is a diagram of another embodiment of a modular wireless headset10that includes two earpieces12A and12B, and microphone14, and user interface22. In this configuration, microphone14communicates with host device16via communication pathway20, earpiece12A communicates with host device16using transceiver (or receiver)13A via communication pathway18and earpiece12B communicates with host device16using transceiver (or receiver)13B via communication pathway32.

In operation, voice produced by the individual using microphone14is received via microphone34and converted into RF signals by circuitry within microphone14. These RF signals are provided to host device16via communication pathway20. Host device16includes a corresponding receiver antenna34and receiver module36to recapture the audio signals received via communication pathways18,20and32. In addition, host device16includes at least one transmitter38to transmit audio information to the earpiece(s)12A and12B. In one embodiment, host device16may transmit left channel stereo information to earpiece12and right channel stereo information to earpiece12B.

Wireless headphone(s) may be realized by omitting microphone14and including either one or both of earpieces12A and12B. In this embodiment, host device may be a playback device such as a CD player, DVD player, cassette player, etc. operable to stream audio information. If the display ofFIG. 2is utilized as well, both streaming audio and video may be enjoyed by the user.

FIG. 5is a diagram of host device that supports modular wireless multimedia devices. Host device16includes a combination of transmitter and receiver (or transceiver) modules that accept and modulate or demodulate streamed audio, video, text, or data to and from earpiece(s)12and microphone14, display17and whiteboard19through antenna46. The host device may be incorporated within or operably couple to another device such as a playback device, laptop, cellular telephone, land based telephone or other like device known to those skilled in the art. For example, one embodiment has transmitter module40and receiver module42. Transmitter module40accepts unmodulated streamed audio, video, data or text from playback type device44(e.g., DVD player, MP3 player, CD player, cassette player, or other like devices known to those skilled in the art). Playback device44may be integrated within host device16. Transmitter module40then modulates the streamed audio into low intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In the case where two earpieces are employed, multiple transmitter modules or time separation may be employed to modulate the streamed audio into low IF signals for the earpieces for each channel (i.e. left and right channels of stereo transmissions. These multiple signals are synchronized in their presentation to a user. Similarly, receiver module42accepts modulated streamed audio, video, data or text from multimedia device10. Receiver module42recovers signals from the received low IF signals. The recovered signals are then relayed to receiving presentation device45. Note that the generation of low IF signals and subsequent demodulation to recapture audio signal may be done in accordance with a particular wireless communication standard. For example, the Bluetooth specification may be used, IEEE802.11 (a), (b), and/or (g) may also be used, etc. when host device16couples to a telephone network (PSTN, cellular, satellite, WLAN, VOIP, etc.). Host device16may receive data associated with the command as well. For example, caller ID information may be passed to user interface22or enhanced call operations may be initiated based on input received at the user interface.

FIG. 6depicts various protocol layers within the open system interconnect (OSI) model. This protocol stack is a particular software implementation of computer networking protocol suites. The stack is often thought of the software implementation of the protocols. Individual protocols are designed with a single purpose in mind. This modularization makes design and evaluation easier. Within embodiments of the present invention, this modularization allows functionalities to be split between various components of the headset and host device or base station. The OSI model is divided into seven layers, with layers of 1 to 4 often being referred to as the lower layers, and layers 5 to 7 being referred to as the upper layers. The embodiments of the present invention may divide the processing and execution of the layers between different modules. For example, the upper layers, 5 through 7, may be executed within the headset10, while the lower layers, 1 through 4, are processed within a base unit or host device. The base unit or host device may use SIM information supplied by the headset to establish connections over available networks.

As shown, layer one is the physical layer. Layer 1 defines the hardware implementation and electrical implementation of the bus, network cabling, connector type, pin out, physical data rates, etc. Examples of the physical layer specification include the RS232 and the RS422 specification. Data units at this layer are called bits. Layer 2 is the data layer. Different network and protocol characteristics are defined by different data-link layer specifications. The data-link layer is subdivided into the media access control (MAC) which controls accessing code data into valid signaling formats for the physical layer and the logical link control (LLC), which provides the link to the network layer. Here, the data units are called frames. Layer 3, the network layer, provides address assignments and packet forwarding methods. Data at this layer is often referred to as packets. Layer 4 is the transport layer, which provides transfer correctness, data recovery, and flow control, for example. TCP is a layer for protocol and the protocol data units are called segments in the transport layer. Again, layers 1 through 4 are often referred to as the lower protocol layers.

Layers 5, 6 and 7 are the upper protocol layers. Layer 5 is the session layer that is responsible for establishing communications sessions, security, and authentication. For example, NetBIOS is a layer 5 protocol. Protocol data units within the session layer are called data. Layer 6 is a presentation layer and determines how the device will represent the data. Again, data at this layer is referred to as data. Layer 7 is the application layer that allows user in the computer systems to generate and interpret data. Layer 7 also may provide for encryption and decryption. Applications using the network learn how to send a request, how to specify a filename, and how to respond to a request. Again, these upper layers may be performed by the headset, while the lower layers are performed by the base unit. In this case, the upper layers will also provide for the handoff between a base unit executing the lower protocol layers and a second base unit, also executing the lower protocol layers.

FIG. 7is a schematic block diagram of earpiece12. Earpiece12includes receiver module41, optional user interface43, data recovery module45and speaker module47. One embodiment of receiver module40includes antenna46, bandpass filter48, low noise amplifier50, down converter52and local oscillator54. User interface43can be any combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display22, tactile interface as evidenced by buttons26, and/or an audio interface represented by microphone/speaker and may operably couple to processing module58to initiate enhanced call functions which will be described further inFIG. 11.

Data recovery module45may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)56and processing module58. Processing module58, which may have associated memory, is configured to provide digital channel filter60, demodulator61and setup module76. Additionally, processing module58may process the upper protocol layers. Speaker module47includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)62, variable gain module64, and at least one speaker66.

Once the piconet is configured (which will be described subsequently), receiver module41receives inbound RF signal68from host device16via antenna46. Bandpass filter48filters the received RF signal68which are subsequently amplified by low noise amplifier50. Down converter52converts the filtered and gained RF signal68into low intermediate frequency (IF) signal70based on a local oscillator54. Low IF signals70may have a carrier frequency at DC ranging to a few megahertz.

Data recovery module45receives low IF signals70and converts the low IF signals70into digital signals via ADC56. Processing module58may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memory (not shown) may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when processing module58implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

Digital channel filter60receives the digital low IF signals72and filters these signals. Demodulator61recovers audio signals74from the filtered low IF signals. Note that the generation of RF signal68and subsequent demodulation to recapture audio signal74may be done in accordance with a particular wireless communication standard. For example, the Bluetooth specification may be used; IEEE802.11 (a), (b), and/or (g) may also be used, etc.

Speaker module47converts digital audio signal74into analog signals provided to the user through speakers66. Adjustable gain module64adjusts the gain (i.e., adjusts volume), and provides the gained signals to speaker66, which produces audible signals74. As long as the piconet remains in place between earpiece12and host device16, earpiece12will produce audible signals74from received inbound RF signal68.

FIG. 8is a schematic block diagram of microphone14that includes audio input module80, transmitter module82and user interface101. Audio input module80includes microphone84, amplifier86, ADC88, processing module100that is configured to provide a setup module92and modulator90, and DAC62. Additionally, processing module100, like processing module58, may handle all or a portion of the protocol stack. User interface101can be any combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display103, tactile interface as evidenced by buttons107, and/or an audio interface represented by microphone/speaker109and may operably couple to processing module100to initiate enhanced call functions which will be described further inFIG. 10. Transmitter module82includes up-converter94, local oscillator96, power amplifier97, bandpass filter98, and antenna102.

Once microphone14is configured within a piconet, microphone84is operably coupled to receive audio signals105and convert these signals to analog signals106. Amplifier86amplifies analog audio signals106to produce amplified signals. ADC88then converts the amplified signals into digital audio signals108. Modulator90modulates the digital signals based on a communication standard into modulated signals. As shown, modulator90and setup module92are implemented within processing module100. Processing module100may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when processing module100implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

Up-converter94converts modulated signals110into RF signals based on local oscillator96. Power amplifier97amplifies these signals which may be subsequently bandpass filter98. The filtered RF signals are then transmitted via antenna102as outbound RF signals110to host device16. As long as the piconet is established to include microphone14and host device16, microphone14will transmit to host device16in the manner just described.

As shown in bothFIGS. 7 and 8, separable connector112may couple setup modules76and92. Such a physical connection allows for earpiece12and microphone14to communicate in both directions with the host device to establish the piconet. For example, if the devices are compliant with one or more versions of the Bluetooth Specification, host device16, functioning as the master, may issue a piconet request to earpiece12coupled to microphone14. Upon receiving this request, earpiece12and microphone14respond to the request indicating that a receive RF channel (communication pathway18) be setup for the earpiece and a transmit RF channel (communication pathway20) be setup for microphone14. Based on these responses, the master coordinates the establishment of the piconet and provides synchronization information through earpiece12and microphone14via receiver module40of earpiece12. Setup modules76and92coordinate the synchronization of earpiece12and microphone14with the host device, as well as coordinating timeslot assignments and/or SCO link assignments. Once the piconet has been established in this manner, the connection between earpiece12and microphone may be secured to establish the earpiece12and microphone14as separate pieces.

As an alternative setup mode, earpiece12, microphone14may be directly coupled to the host device. The direct coupling may be used to establish the piconet and exchange synchronization information, timeslot allocation information, etc. Once the information has been exchanged in this manner, the connections may be broken such that earpiece12, microphone14and host device16are physically separate devices.

FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate schematic block diagrams of earpiece12and microphone14that include transceiver modules (i.e., receiver modules and transmitter modules). The use of the transceiver modules allow earpiece12, microphone14and host device16to be physically separate devices and be configured using the piconet's RF communications. As such, earpiece12and microphone14may be continuously worn on a person for receiving incoming calls and/or placing outgoing calls.

Earpiece12, as shown inFIG. 9, includes antenna46, transmit/receive switch122, receiver module41, data recovery module45, speaker module47, transmitter module120, input module128and display module132. Receiver module41, data recovery module45and speaker module47operate as discussed with reference toFIG. 6. Data recovery module45may produce display information that is provided to display module132. For instance, the received RF signal may include display information such as caller ID, command information, etc. which is separated by data recovery module45and provided to display module132, which may be an LCD display, plasma display, etc.

Input module128, which may be a keypad, touch screen, voice recognition circuit, or other like user interfaces, receives user commands and produces digital command messages124there from. Such digital command messages124includes, but are not limited to, packet size, synchronization information, frequency hopping initiation information, timeslot allocation information, link establishment information, piconet address information, fast-forward, play, pause, volume adjust, record, stop and rewind.

Data recovery module45receives digital command messages124and, when applicable, processes the command messages. For example, if the command message is with respect to a volume adjust; a graphical representation of adjusting the volume may be presented on display module132and the gain of amplifier64adjusted to adjust the volume associated with speaker66.

Transmit module120receives digital command messages124and converts these messages into outbound RF command signals126, which are subsequently transmitted to host device16and/or microphone module via antenna46. Accordingly, by including transmitter module120along with receiver module41, earpiece12may function as a master and/or slave within the piconet and exchange data with the other elements within the piconet.

FIG. 10is a schematic block diagram of microphone14that includes audio input module80, transmitter module82, transmit receive switch122, antenna102, receiver module132, input module140and display module138. Input module140is operable to receive user input commands142and convert these commands into digital command messages144. Input module140couples to or includes a user interface that allows a user to initiate enhanced call functions or network hardware operations. These enhanced call functions include call initiation operations, call conferencing operations, call forwarding operations, call hold operations, call muting operations, and call waiting operations. Additionally, the user may access network interface functions, base unit interface functions, directory functions, caller ID functions, voice activated commands and device programming functions. This user interface can be any combinations of visual interface(s), tactile interface(s), and/or an audio interface(s) that allow the user to input commands142. Digital command messages144may be similar to digital command messages124and may further include establish a call, terminate a call, call waiting, or other like functions. Transmitter module82converts digital command messages144into RF command signals134that are transmitted via antenna102. Similarly, inbound RF command signals135may be received by receiver module132via antenna102. Display module138, which may be a LCD display, plasma display, etc., receives digital command messages136and may display corresponding configuration messages. In addition, any display information received from the host and/or microphone module regarding setup, operation, or as part of the data content, may be displayed on display module138.

FIG. 11is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a wireless headset constructed according to the present invention in managing call hand offs. The operations described with reference toFIG. 11may be performed whole or in part by an on-chip processor within or coupled to processing modules58and100ofFIGS. 7 and 8. During normal operations, the wireless headset services normal operations, e.g., single call or device playback. Other modular devices, such as those ofFIG. 2that couple to the microphone or headset, may perform these operations

FIG. 11depicts one method by which communication services are handed off. Normal call servicing (servicing of any audio communication) does not require a handoff (step1000). However, when a handoff may be required, the system determines the required type of handoff At step1002, the handoff required involves using an alternative servicing network. Step1012does not require an alternative servicing network. When a handoff may be required, a parallel communication path is established at step1004. Then, a determination is made as to whether the handoff is actually possible and required by monitoring the communication quality between the wireless device and the WPAN at step1006. The communication quality may be measured by considering the received signal strength at a servicing host device, the wireless terminal, by measuring the bit error rate at either the host device or the wireless terminal, or other method known to those skilled in the art. The determination may also be based on the location of the wireless terminal relative to the boundaries of the various WPAN coverage areas. If handoff is required (as determined at step1006), one of the parallel paths is dropped and servicing continues via the remaining pathways. If handoff is not required (as determined at step1006by comparing signal quality to predetermined threshold levels) due to an increase in the communication quality of the servicing WPAN, the new communication path is dropped at step1010. From each of steps1008and1010, operation proceeds to step1000.

The branch followed under steps1002specifically relate to handoff between the WPAN and an alternative network to service normal operations. The branch under1012specifically addresses when there is a handoff between WPAN post devices. Step1014uses WPAN operations to handoff the call as necessary to a second WPAN. One possibility for this procedure is discussed further inFIG. 12. At step1012, the need for a first WPAN to second WPAN handoff is made. Parallel pathways are established via the second WPAN in step1014ofFIG. 12. At decision point1016, a determination is made as to whether or not a handoff is required. Should no handoff be required, normal operations continue returning to step1000. Alternatively, if the handoff is required, communications are serviced by the second communication pathway and the first communication pathway is terminated in step1018. Should the second communication pathway not be required in step1020, this pathway is also terminated so that normal operations continue only utilizing a single pathway.

As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the term “substantially” or “approximately”, as may be used herein, provides an industry-accepted tolerance to its corresponding term. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to twenty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. As one of average skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “operably coupled”, as may be used herein, includes direct coupling and indirect coupling via another component, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, the intervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As one of average skill in the art will also appreciate, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two elements in the same manner as “operably coupled”. As one of average skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “compares favorably”, as may be used herein, indicates that a comparison between two or more elements, items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

The preceding discussion has presented a modular communication device, modular wireless multimedia device and modular wireless headphones. By physically separating the microphone from the earpiece and/or by separating the earpieces, more discrete components may be produced that are more comfortable to wear and are less cumbersome to use. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, other embodiments may be derived from the teaching of the present invention without deviating from the scope of the claims.