Abstract:
A system to reproduce multi channel sound. A first wireless transceiver wirelessly receives audio data and acoustically reproduces a front center channel. A second wireless transceiver wirelessly receives the audio data and acoustically reproduces a front right channel. A third wireless transceiver wirelessly receives the audio data and acoustically reproduces a front left channel. A fourth wireless transceiver wirelessly receives the audio data and acoustically reproduces a rear right channel. And a fifth wireless transceiver wirelessly receives the audio data and acoustically reproduces a rear left channel.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to wireless communication devices, and in particular, to mobile communication devices capable of performing locally collaborative operations. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    A mobile communication device, such as a cellular telephone or other handheld or otherwise portable device capable of wireless communications (including, without limitation, telephony or Internet access) and local processing or display functions, operates in many ways as a node in a powerful wireless network where the network power increases multiplicatively as the number of nodes in the network increases. For example, a typical mobile telephone includes a computer, a display, a wireless transceiver, one or more acoustic output transducers (e.g., speakers), and one or more input acoustic transducers (e.g., microphones). With such computing, processing and communication capabilities available, it would be desirable to provide for performances of more operations than simply initiating and receiving telephone calls, sending and receiving text messages, or accessing the Internet. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In accordance with the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations. In one embodiment, one of the mobile communication devices provides a first local energy emission and, related thereto, a local wireless transmission signal, while another of the mobile communication devices responds to the local wireless transmission signal by providing a second local energy emission related to the first local energy emission. In another embodiment, one of the mobile communication devices receives a local stimulus, exclusive of vocal energy emitted by a user, and in response thereto provides a local wireless transmission signal, while another of the mobile communication devices responds to the local wireless transmission signal by providing a local energy emission related to the local stimulus. In another embodiment, each of the mobile communication devices receives a respective portion of a local stimulus in response to which at least one of the mobile communication devices transmits a local wireless transmission signal in response to which a second one of the mobile communication devices provides a local energy emission related to responses to the local stimulus in addition to its own. In additional embodiments, each of the mobile communication devices receives a respective portion of a local stimulus and in response thereto transmits a wireless transmission signal for collaboratively providing, to a remotely located system, information about the various responses to the local stimulus. 
         [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0007]    wireless communication circuitry responsive to
       one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices by providing one or more incoming local communication signals, and   one or more outgoing local communication signals by providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0010]    processing circuitry coupled to the wireless communication circuitry and responsive at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals by providing at least one or more output signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; and 
         [0011]    input/output circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry and responsive to at least one of one or more local stimuli and the one or more output signals by providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; 
         [0012]    wherein
       a first one of the plurality of mobile communication devices provides a first one of the one or more local energy emissions and, related thereto, a first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals, and   a second one of the plurality of mobile communication devices responds to the first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals by providing a second one of the one or more local energy emissions related to the first one of the one or more local energy emissions.       
 
         [0015]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0016]    wireless communication circuitry responsive to
       one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices by providing one or more incoming local communication signals, and   one or more outgoing local communication signals by providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0019]    processing circuitry coupled to the wireless communication circuitry and responsive at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals by providing at least one of one or more output signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; and 
         [0020]    input/output circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry and responsive to at least one of one or more local stimuli and the one or more output signals by providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; 
         [0021]    wherein
       a first one of the plurality of mobile communication devices receives a first one of the one or more local stimuli, exclusive of vocal energy emitted by a user, and in response thereto provides a first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals, and   a second one of the plurality of mobile communication devices responds to the first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals by providing a first one of the one or more local energy emissions related to the first one of the one or more local stimuli.       
 
         [0024]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0025]    wireless communicator means for
       receiving one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices and in response thereto providing one or more incoming local communication signals, and   receiving one or more outgoing local communication signals and in response thereto providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0028]    processor means for receiving at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals and in response thereto providing at least one of one or more output signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; and 
         [0029]    input/output means for receiving at least one of one or more local stimuli and the one or more output signals and in response thereto providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; 
         [0030]    wherein
       a first one of the plurality of mobile communication devices provides a first one of the one or more local energy emissions and, related thereto, a first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals, and   a second one of the plurality of mobile communication devices responds to the first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals by providing a second one of the one or more local energy emissions related to the first one of the one or more local energy emissions.       
 
         [0033]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0034]    wireless communicator means for
       receiving one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices and in response thereto providing one or more incoming local communication signals, and   receiving one or more outgoing local communication signals and in response thereto providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0037]    processor means for receiving at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals and in response thereto providing at least one of one or more output signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; 
         [0038]    input/output means for receiving at least one of one or more local stimuli and the one or more output signals and in response thereto providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; 
         [0039]    wherein
       a first one of the plurality of mobile communication devices receives a first one of the one or more local stimuli, exclusive of vocal energy emitted by a user, and in response thereto provides a first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals, and   a second one of the plurality of mobile communication devices responds to the first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals by providing a first one of the one or more local energy emissions related to the first one of the one or more local stimuli.       
 
         [0042]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0043]    wireless communication circuitry responsive to
       one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices by providing one or more incoming local communication signals, and   one or more outgoing local communication signals by providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0046]    processing circuitry coupled to the wireless communication circuitry and responsive to at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals by providing at least one of one or more output signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; 
         [0047]    input/output circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry and responsive to at least one of one or more local stimuli and the one or more output signals by providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; and 
         [0048]    wherein
       a first one of the plurality of mobile communication devices responds to at least a first portion of the one or more local stimuli by providing a first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals, and   a second one of the plurality of mobile communication devices responds to at least a second portion of the one or more local stimuli and at least the first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals by providing a first one of the one or more local energy emissions.       
 
         [0051]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0052]    wireless communication circuitry responsive to
       one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices by providing one or more incoming local communication signals,   one or more outgoing local communication signals by providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices, and   one or more outgoing remote communication signals by providing one or more remote wireless transmission signals for reception by a receiver located remotely from the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0056]    processing circuitry coupled to the wireless communication circuitry and responsive to at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals by providing at least one of one or more output signals, the one or more outgoing remote communication signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; 
         [0057]    input/output circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry and responsive to at least one of one or more local stimuli and the one or more output signals by providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; and 
         [0058]    wherein
       a first one of the plurality of mobile communication devices responds to a first portion of the one or more local stimuli and at least a first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals by providing a second one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals and a first one of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals,   a second one of the plurality of mobile communication devices responds to a second portion of the one or more local stimuli and at least the second one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals by providing the first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals and a second one of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals,   the first one of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals is related to at least a sub-portion of the first portion of the one or more local stimuli, and   the second one of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals is related to at least a sub-portion of the second portion of the one or more local stimuli.       
 
         [0063]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0064]    wireless communicator means for
       receiving one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices and in response thereto providing one or more incoming local communication signals, and   receiving one or more outgoing local communication signals and in response thereto providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0067]    processor means for receiving at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals and in response thereto providing at least one of one or more output signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; and 
         [0068]    input/output means for receiving at least one of one or more local stimuli and the one or more output signals and in response thereto providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; 
         [0069]    wherein
       a first one of the plurality of mobile communication devices receives at least a first portion of the one or more local stimuli and in response thereto provides a first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals, and   a second one of the plurality of mobile communication devices receives at least a second portion of the one or more local stimuli and at least the first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals and in response thereto provides a first one of the one or more local energy emissions.       
 
         [0072]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more locally collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0073]    wireless communicator means for
       receiving one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices and in response thereto providing one or more incoming local communication signals,   receiving one or more outgoing local communication signals and in response thereto providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices, and   receiving one or more outgoing remote communication signals and in response thereto providing one or more remote wireless transmission signals for reception by a receiver located remotely from the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0077]    processor means for receiving at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals and in response thereto providing at least one of one or more output signals, the one or more outgoing remote communication signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; and 
         [0078]    input/output means for receiving at least one of one or more local stimuli and the one or more output signals and in response thereto providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; 
         [0079]    wherein
       a first one of the plurality of mobile communication devices receives a first portion of the one or more local stimuli and at least a first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals and in response thereto provides a second one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals and a first one of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals,   a second one of the plurality of mobile communication devices receives a second portion of the one or more local stimuli and at least the second one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals and in response thereto provides the first one of the one or more local wireless transmission signals and a second one of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals,   the first one of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals is related to at least a sub-portion of the first portion of the one or more local stimuli, and   the second one of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals is related to at least a sub-portion of the second portion of the one or more local stimuli.       
 
         [0084]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0085]    wireless communication circuitry responsive to
       one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices by providing one or more incoming local communication signals,   one or more outgoing local communication signals by providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices,   one or more remote wireless transmission signals from a transmitter located remotely from the plurality of mobile communication devices by providing one or more incoming remote communication signals, and one or more outgoing remote communication signals by providing one or more remote wireless transmission signals for reception by a receiver located remotely from the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0089]    processing circuitry including memory circuitry, coupled to the wireless communication circuitry and responsive to at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals by providing at least one of one or more output signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; and 
         [0090]    input/output circuitry including at least one sensor, coupled to the processing circuitry and responsive to at least one of one or more local stimuli, including sensing of at least one local environmental characteristic, and the one or more output signals by providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; 
         [0091]    wherein each one of at least a portion of the plurality of mobile communication devices is responsive to one or more of
       preprogrammed data corresponding to one or more predetermined locations,   preprogrammed data corresponding to one or more predetermined times,   reception of a respective one or more of the one or more local wireless transmission signals,   reception of a respective one or more of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals, and   sensing of a predetermined one or more of the at least one of one or more local stimuli,       
 
         [0097]    by capturing stimuli data corresponding to the predetermined one or more of the at least one of one or more local stimuli and initiating one or more of
       another respective one or more of the one or more local wireless transmission signals, and   another respective one or more of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals.       
 
         [0100]    In accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a plurality of mobile communication devices is provided for performing one or more collaborative operations, wherein each one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes: 
         [0101]    wireless communicator means for
       receiving one or more local wireless transmission signals from at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices and in response thereto providing one or more incoming local communication signals,   receiving one or more outgoing local communication signals and in response thereto providing one or more local wireless transmission signals for reception by at least another of the plurality of mobile communication devices,   receiving one or more remote wireless transmission signals from a transmitter located remotely from the plurality of mobile communication devices and in response thereto providing one or more incoming remote communication signals, and   receiving one or more outgoing remote communication signals and in response thereto providing one or more remote wireless transmission signals for reception by a receiver located remotely from the plurality of mobile communication devices;       
 
         [0106]    processor means, including memory means, for receiving at least one of the one or more incoming local communication signals and one or more input signals and in response thereto providing at least one of one or more output signals and the one or more outgoing local communication signals; and 
         [0107]    input/output means, including sensor means, for receiving at least one of one or more local stimuli, including sensing of at least one local environmental characteristic, and the one or more output signals and in response thereto providing at least one of the one or more input signals and one or more local energy emissions; 
         [0108]    wherein each one of at least a portion of the plurality of mobile communication devices is responsive to one or more of
       preprogrammed data corresponding to one or more predetermined locations,   preprogrammed data corresponding to one or more predetermined times,   reception of a respective one or more of the one or more local wireless transmission signals,   reception of a respective one or more of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals, and   sensing of a predetermined one or more of the at least one of one or more local stimuli,       
 
         [0114]    by capturing stimuli data corresponding to the predetermined one or more of the at least one of one or more local stimuli and initiating one or more of
       another respective one or more of the one or more local wireless transmission signals, and   another respective one or more of the one or more remote wireless transmission signals.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0117]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of the major elements of one of a plurality of mobile telephones in accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention. 
           [0118]      FIG. 2  depicts in greater detail the elements of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0119]      FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate example scenarios in which multiple mobile telephones are performing locally collaborative operations in accordance with various embodiments of the presently claimed invention. 
           [0120]      FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate example scenarios in which multiple mobile telephones are performing locally collaborative operations in accordance with further embodiments of the presently claimed invention. 
           [0121]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example scenario in which multiple mobile telephones collaboratively sense and report about one or more local environmental characteristics in accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention. 
           [0122]      FIG. 6  illustrates multiple forms of networks in which multiple mobile telephones can collaborate in accordance with the presently claimed invention. 
           [0123]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a mobile telephone entering into, operating within and exiting from a collaborative network of other mobile telephones in accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0124]    The following detailed description is of example embodiments of the presently claimed invention with references to the accompanying drawings. Such description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting with respect to the scope of the present invention. Such embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the subject invention, and it will be understood that other embodiments may be practiced with some variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject invention. 
         [0125]    Throughout the present disclosure, absent a clear indication to the contrary from the context, it will be understood that individual circuit elements as described may be singular or plural in number. For example, the terms “circuit” and “circuitry” may include either a single component or a plurality of components, which are either active and/or passive and are connected or otherwise coupled together (e.g., as one or more integrated circuit chips) to provide the described function. Additionally, the term “signal” may refer to one or more currents, one or more voltages, or a data signal. Within the drawings, like or related elements will have like or related alpha, numeric or alphanumeric designators. Further, while the present invention has been discussed in the context of implementations using discrete electronic circuitry (preferably in the form of one or more integrated circuit chips), the functions of any part of such circuitry may alternatively be implemented using one or more appropriately programmed processors, depending upon the signal frequencies or data rates to be processed. 
         [0126]    As described in more detail below, multiple mobile telephones perform locally collaborative operations by treating each mobile telephone as a node in a network, with each node capable of being accessed by any other such node that is in sufficiently close proximity to allow signal communications among at least some of the nodes forming the network. Resulting functions include local and remote control of the video display, speakers and microphones, as well as collaborative execution of one or more common programs or functions by the computers within the mobile telephones forming the locally collaborative network. 
         [0127]    The following discussion is presented in the context of an application of the presently claimed invention in and with mobile telephones, such as cellular telephones. However, it should be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the presently claimed invention can also be applied to virtually any mobile communication device having many if not all of the basic functional elements of a modern mobile telephone, including, without limitation, a computer, a visual (e.g., video) display, one or more wireless transceivers (e.g., radio frequency or infrared), one or more acoustic output transducers (e.g., speakers), one or more input acoustic transducers (e.g., microphones), and a light projector (e.g., visible light, infrared, ultraviolet or laser). 
         [0128]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , as discussed in more detail below, each mobile telephone among a group of mobile telephones in accordance with one embodiment of the presently claimed invention includes input circuitry  12 , output circuitry  14 , processor circuitry  16  and wireless transceiver circuitry  18 , interconnected substantially as shown. The input circuitry  12  receives local stimuli  11   a  (e.g., emissions of vocal energy or keypad inputs by the user, sensations caused by sensing of local environmental characteristics, or instructions or data associated with local execution of a program) in response to which it provides one or more input signals  13 . The output circuitry  14 , in response to output signals  15  from the processor circuitry  16 , provides local energy emissions  11   b  (e.g., emissions of acoustic energy, visible light or a video display). The processor circuitry  16  provides outgoing communication signals  17   a  and receives incoming communication signals  17   b , which are related to the input signals  13  and output signals  15 , respectively. The wireless transceiver circuitry  18  transmits and receives wireless transmission signals  19   a ,  19   b , which are related to the outgoing  17   a  and incoming  17   b  communication signals, respectively, and also receives wireless positioning signals  19   c , e.g., as transmitted by satellites as part of a global positioning system (GPS). 
         [0129]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one example embodiment  100  of the presently claimed invention, the elements of the system  10  of  FIG. 1  can be implemented as follows. The processor circuitry  16  can be implemented as a baseband signal processing engine  106 , which includes a general purpose processor  106   a , a digital signal processor (DSP)  106   b , memory  106   c  and a graphics processor  106   d , all of which communicate and interact with each other in accordance with well known principles. 
         [0130]    The wireless transceiver circuitry  18  can be implemented as interface circuitry  124 , radio frequency (RF) communications circuitry  126   a ,  126   b  and an antennae  128  for communicating via a wide area network (WAN). Also included can be GPS positioning circuitry  130  and an antenna  132  for receiving satellite signals. Further included can be any or all of “wireless fidelity” (Wi-Fi) circuitry  134   a , Bluetooth circuitry  134   b , Zigbee circuitry  134   c  and an antenna  136 , plus infrared (IR) circuitry  138  for communicating via a local area network (LAN) or personal area network (PAN). 
         [0131]    The input circuitry  12  can be implemented using part of transducer and keypad interface circuitry  104 , sensors  110   a , . . . ,  110   n , part of audio subsystem circuitry  112 , microphones  114   a ,  114   b , a keypad  114   c  and an image sensor (e.g., camera)  122 . The output circuitry  14  can be implemented using part of the transducer and keypad interface circuitry  104 , an electromechanical vibrator  108   a , a light emitting diode (LED)  108   b , part of the audio subsystem circuitry  112 , speakers  116   a ,  116   b , a video display  118  and a micro projector  120 . 
         [0132]    A battery  102 , which provides power for this system  100 , has its voltage  103  monitored by power management circuitry  150 , which provides power management control signals  151  for selected portions  104 ,  106 ,  106   a ,  106   b ,  106   c ,  106   d ,  112 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126   a ,  126   b ,  130 ,  134   a ,  134   b ,  134   c ,  138  of the system  100  as desired. 
         [0133]    The audio subsystem circuitry  112  receives incoming acoustic signals  115   a ,  115   b  from the microphones  114   a ,  114   b  and provides outgoing acoustic signals  117   a ,  117   b  for the speakers  116   a ,  116   b . The speakers  116   a ,  116   b  can be mounted within the housing (not shown) of the system  100 , or can be in the form of one or more earpieces for private listening by the user. The incoming  115   a ,  115   b  and outgoing  117   a ,  117   b  acoustic signals are conveyed as part of a group of signals  113  communicated between the audio subsystem circuitry  112  and the processing engine  106 . 
         [0134]    The keypad  114   c  allows for manual data entry by the user. Currently, such keypads are typically implemented as a dedicated set of electromechanical pushbutton switches to be manipulated by a user&#39;s fingers, or as a virtual keyboard formed by virtual buttons on a touchscreen displayed on the video display  118  to be manipulated by a user&#39;s fingers or a stylus. However, it will be readily appreciated that the role of the keypad  114   c  can also be fulfilled through the use of voice recognition software, e.g., executed by the processing engine  106  to process aural user commands received via the microphones  114   a ,  114   b , conveyed as acoustic signals  115   a ,  115   b ,  113  via the audio subsystem circuitry  112 . Visual signals  119 ,  121 ,  123  are communicated between the processing engine  106  and the display  118 , micro projector  120  and image sensor  122 . 
         [0135]    Satellite signals are received via the antenna  132 , which provides the received signals  133  to the GPS circuitry  130 . In turn, the GPS circuitry  130  provides appropriately converted signals  131  to the processing engine  106 . 
         [0136]    Remote wireless communication via a WAN is achieved by communicating RF signals via the antenna  128 . Incoming and outgoing signals are conveyed via a transmission line  129  between the antenna  128  and the RF circuitry  126   a ,  126   b . Outgoing and incoming signals  127   a ,  127   b  for conversion by or that have been converted by the RF circuitry  126   a ,  126   b  are further converted by the baseband circuitry  124  (e.g., analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog conversion). Corresponding digital  125   a , analog  125   b  or mixed  125   c  baseband signals are communicated to and from the processing engine  106 . The RF signals communicated via the antenna  128  can also be used to determine the location (e.g., geographical) or position (e.g., relative to another location) of the system  10  in accordance with well known techniques, e.g., by using signals received from multiple infrastructure transceivers (not shown) to compute the position of the system  10  relative to the known locations of such transceivers based upon signal timing, signal strength, transceiver locations data, etc. 
         [0137]    Local wireless communication via a LAN or a PAN is achieved via the antenna  136  which communicates the RF signals  137  to and from the Wi-Fi  134   a , Bluetooth  134   b  or Zigbee  134   c  circuitry. Corresponding baseband signals  135   a ,  135   b ,  135   c  are communicated to and from the processing engine  106 . Additional LAN or PAN communication can be achieved via the IR circuitry  138  (which would include one or more IR sensors for receiving IR signals and one or more IR emitters for transmitting IR signals), with corresponding baseband signals  139  communicated to and from the processing engine  106 . Additionally, one or more of the baseband signals  135   a ,  135   b ,  135   c ,  139  can convey outgoing acoustic signals for communication to a wireless audio interface, e.g., a Bluetooth earpiece or headset. 
         [0138]    As discussed in more detail below, the microphones  114   a ,  114   b  and speakers  116   a ,  116   b  provide an acoustic interface, incoming and outgoing, with the user. Similarly, the display  118 , micro projector  120  and image sensor  122  provide a visual interface, also outgoing and incoming, with the user. Location and position information can be communicated to the user either acoustically or visually. Further, various environmental conditions such as chemicals, gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, etc.), radiation, smoke, barometric pressure or temperature, as sensed by the sensors  110   a , . . . ,  110   n , can also be communicated to the user either acoustically or visually, as well as be communicated to others via the WAN, LAN or PAN. 
         [0139]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , a group of mobile telephones  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  can be used to perform a collaborative operation in which their respective micro projectors  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c  collaboratively provide a focused light or video image  201   a ,  201   b ,  201   c  for projection onto a common surface or object  300 . Alternatively, their respective speakers  116   aa ,  116   ba ,  116   ab ,  116   bb ,  116   ac ,  116   bc  can be driven collaboratively to form respective beams  201   a ,  201   b ,  201   c  of sound for projection to a common region  300 . 
         [0140]    Referring to  FIG. 3B , a group of mobile telephones  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  can be used to collaboratively provide music as a simulated musical group. For example, a master, or host, telephone  200   a  can execute a program in its processing engine  106  ( FIG. 2 ) based on a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI), MPEG-1 Audio Layer (MP1, MP2, MP3), or other form of digital music data file stored in its memory  106   c . The digital music data can be parsed into data corresponding to different instruments, such as string or wind instruments. This data can be communicated via a PAN signal  201   aa , e.g., Bluetooth, to the other telephones  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e . In accordance with well known techniques, this signal  201  as can be broadcast in a time division multiple access (TDMA) or code division multiple access (CDMA) format with musical data intended for each respective telephone  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  identified with appropriate address information. Using this parsed musical data, each telephone, including the host  200   a , emits acoustic energy  201   a ,  201   b ,  201   c ,  201   d ,  201   e  via its respective speakers  116   a ,  116   b  ( FIG. 2 ), thereby collaboratively providing music as a simulated musical group. 
         [0141]    Referring to  FIG. 3C , in a similar manner, the host telephone  201   a  can broadcast a signal  201   aa  (e.g., Bluetooth) to the other telephones  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e , with the audio data being transmitted corresponding to a multiple channel sound, such as that having a surround sound effect. For example, the host telephone  200   a  can emit acoustic energy  201   a  corresponding to the front center channel, while two additional telephones  200   b ,  200   e  emit acoustic energy  201   b ,  201   e  corresponding to front right and front left channels, and two additional telephones  200   c ,  200   d  emit acoustic energy  201   c ,  201   d  corresponding to rear right and rear left channels. 
         [0142]    While the host  200   a  can be the primary provider of the MIDI file data, each user of the other telephones  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  can also use their respective keypads  114   c  ( FIG. 2 ) to enhance or modify their respective acoustic emissions  201   b ,  201   c ,  201   d ,  201   e  to provide a different musical effect or power level. Additionally, the user of each telephone  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  can modify their respective acoustic emissions  201   a ,  201   b ,  201   c ,  201   d ,  201   e  by controlling motion of their respective telephone  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  as sensed by an internal acceleration sensor, such as a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor included as one of the sensors  110   a , . . . ,  110   n  ( FIG. 2 ). For example, movement of a telephone as sensed by an acceleration sensor would have the effect of a wand manipulated by a musical conductor. Hence, physical motion of the telephones can be used as a user initiated input to modify the types of music or other characteristics of the sounds being emitted. 
         [0143]    Referring to  FIG. 3D , a group of telephones  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  can also operate collaboratively, e.g., as in a multiplayer game, in which multiple telephones communicate via respective PAN signals (e.g., Bluetooth)  201   ab ,  201   bb ,  201   cb ,  201   db ,  201   eb  with respective emissions of acoustic energy  201   a ,  201   b ,  201   c ,  201   d ,  201   e  as desired or appropriate. Of course, respective collaborative visual displays or projections would likely be desirable and appropriate as well. 
         [0144]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , a group of mobile telephones  200   a ,  200   b  can be used to respond to local stimuli in the form of a planar image ( FIG. 4A ), a three-dimensional object ( FIG. 4B ), an energy emission such as sound ( FIG. 4C ), and a local environmental characteristic ( FIG. 4D ) such as temperature or the presence of a chemical or gas. These examples depict the use of two devices, but it will be readily understood that virtually any number of devices can be used in accordance with the presently claimed invention. 
         [0145]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , for example, two devices  200   a ,  200   b , using their camera/image sensors  122   a ,  122   b  ( FIG. 2 ), capture image information about respective portions  302   a ,  302   b  of an image  302  via their respective fields of view  303   a ,  303   b . The captured image information is converted by the camera/image sensors  122   a ,  122   b  to image signals for processing by the processing engine  106  ( FIG. 2 ). The respective image information captured by each of the devices  200   a ,  200   b  can be mutually exchanged via local wireless communication signals  237   a ,  237   b  (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or IR), thereby allowing each device  200   a ,  200   b  to display the entire image  302  on its respective video display  118   a ,  118   b  or as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional (e.g., holographic) projected image generated by its respective micro projector  120  (with appropriate correction or compensation for duplicate image information corresponding to the image area  302   c  common to both fields of a view  303   a ,  303   b ). Additionally, each device  200   a ,  200   b  can transmit a remote wireless communication signal  229   a ,  229   b , e.g., as a RF signal to a cellular telephone system base station (not shown). 
         [0146]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , similar perceptions and displays of image information can be done for an object  304 , with image information  304   a ,  304   b  corresponding to different views of the object  304  perceived by the different devices  200   a ,  200   b , and the resulting collected image information exchanged via local wireless communication signals  237   a ,  237   b , or transmitted for use or processing elsewhere via remote wireless communication signals  229   a ,  229   b  (again, with appropriate correction or compensation for duplicate image information  304   c  collected due to overlapping fields of view). 
         [0147]    Referring to  FIG. 4C , instead of image information, the devices can use their respective microphones  114   aa ,  114   ab  to capture acoustic energy  307  emitted from a sound source  306 . As with the other examples, sound information captured by the various devices  200   a ,  200   b  can be mutually shared via local wireless communication signals  237   a ,  237   b , or provided to a remote receive via remote wireless communication signals  229   a ,  229   b . Such separate capturing of acoustic information can be advantageously used to capture the acoustic energy  307  in accordance with multiple channels (e.g., stereophonic or surround sound), or process the captured acoustic information  307  such that each device  200   a ,  200   b  performs frequency filtering so as to effectively capture and process different frequency ranges separately. 
         [0148]    Referring to  FIG. 4D , the mobile devices  200   a ,  200   b  can also use their respective sensors  110   aa , . . . ,  110   na ,  110   ab , . . . ,  110   nb  ( FIG. 2 ) to sense local environmental characteristics (e.g., ambient temperature, the presence of a chemical or gas, radiation, smoke or barometric pressure). 
         [0149]    As can be seen by this discussion of exemplary embodiments of the presently claimed invention, functional reciprocity is achieved with respect to the collaborative capabilities of mobile wireless communication devices. Multiple devices, while otherwise mutually independent physically and operationally of each other, can nonetheless operate collaboratively to emit energy in the form of a visible display (e.g., video or other form of a visual display), projected light (e.g., visible, infrared, ultraviolet, laser or other form of a visual experience) or mechanical vibration (e.g., audible, infrasonic, ultrasonic or other form of an acoustic experience), as well as respond to stimuli by capturing image information or vibrational (e.g., acoustic) energy, or sensing local environmental characteristics. 
         [0150]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , in accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, multiple devices  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  can be programmed to operate in a star network where one device  200   a  functions as the “master”, while the remaining devices  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  function as “slaves”. All devices  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  use one or more of their sensors  110   a , . . . ,  110   n  ( FIG. 2 ) to sense a respective local environmental characteristic  308   a ,  308   b ,  308   c ,  308   d ,  308   e . Information corresponding to these environmental characteristics are communicated via local wireless transmission signals  239   b ,  239   c ,  239   d ,  239   e  between the master  200   a  and slave  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  devices. The master device  200   a  communicates this information, along with information about its own sensed environmental characteristic  308   a , via remote wireless transmission signals  229   a , e.g., to a remote receiver, another device in another network or another device upstream within a larger network. 
         [0151]    Along with information about the sensed environmental characteristics, each device can also include additional information, such as its respective location (e.g., geographical as determined by a GPS signal or its relative location within the network) or the time at which the environmental data was captured. In accordance with one embodiment, each device  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d ,  200   e  can be preprogrammed as to the type of environmental data to be captured, what time such data capture is to be initiated, the frequency at which such data is to be captured, the geographic location for which such data is to be captured, the relative location within a network at which such data is to be captured, or other parameters as desired. Alternatively, as discussed in more detail below, this information concerning data capture can be provided to each device as it becomes a member of a network responsible for such data capture, or when such device enters a predetermined location in which such data capture is desired. 
         [0152]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , multiple devices operating in a network, such as that depicted in  FIG. 5 , can operate in a number of types of networks. For example, a star network can be used (as in the example of  FIG. 5 ) in which a designated device  310   a  operates as the master device and other devices  310   b , operating as slave devices, report to the master device  310   a . Alternatively, a mesh network can be used in which each device  310   a ,  310   c  communicate with each other and any other device located within a predetermined proximity within the overall network. Further alternatively, a combination of these networks, often called a star mesh network, can be used in which multiple master devices  310   a ,  310   c ,  310   e ,  310   g  can communicate directly with one another, while also serving as the master for respective slave devices  310   b ,  310   d ,  310   f ,  310   h.    
         [0153]    As will be readily appreciated, a star network offers simplicity in the sense that one central point of contact  310   a  can make it easier to communicate and coordinate from outside the network, as well as simplify decisions to be made by the slave units  310   b  as to when and with whom communications are to be shared. However, a full mesh network offers improved network reliability and predictability with automatic node joining and healing, as well as spatial diversity for communications, more democratic transfer of control with no fixed leadership necessary, or even multiple simultaneous leaders. Many advantages of both types can be realized with a star mesh network. 
         [0154]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , in accordance with another embodiment of the presently claimed invention, a device  200   a  can be programmed to begin capturing sensor data corresponding to a local environmental characteristics  308   a  following its entry into a defined location  320 . This unit  200   a  can communicate with other devices  200   b ,  200   c , which are also sensing environmental characteristics  308   b ,  308   c  and capturing corresponding sensor data, via local wireless transmission signals  239   b ,  239   c . Depending upon the type of network in use ( FIG. 6 ), one or more of the devices  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  can communicate captured sensor data via remote wireless transmission signals  229   a  to a remote receiver, another device in another network or another device upstream within a larger network. As the device  200   a  exits the defined location  320 , its sensing and capturing of environmental data can be programmed to terminate. Alternatively, rather than be preprogrammed to initiate its own sensing and capturing of environmental data, the unit  200   a  can be programmed to respond to the local wireless transmission signals  239   b ,  239   c  and in response thereto begin its sensing and capturing of environmental data, with such sensing and data capturing terminating upon exiting from the defined location  320 , or upon failure to continuing receiving one or more of the local wireless transmission signals  239   b ,  239   c.    
         [0155]    In each of these examples, control by the user can be exercised via the keypad  114   c  or other user control mechanism (e.g., touchscreen or voice recognition, as discussed above) for correcting or compensating duplicate image information, selecting multi-channel processing or frequency filtering of collected acoustic information, video display of collected image information, audio playback of collected acoustic information, and local or remote communications of collected image, acoustic or environmental information. 
         [0156]    Various other modifications and alternations in the structure and method of operation of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the present invention and that structures and methods within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.