Patent Publication Number: US-8116823-B2

Title: Modular ear-piece/microphone (headset) operable to service voice activated commands

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present U.S. Utility Patent Application is a continuation of, and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 11/932,362, entitled “MODULAR EAR-PIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) OPERABLE TO SERVICE VOICE ACTIVATED COMMANDS,”, filed Oct. 31, 2007, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 11/120,900, entitled “MODULAR EAR-PIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) OPERABLE TO SERVICE VOICE ACTIVATED COMMANDS,”, filed May 3, 2005, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,177, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     This Application is related to the following applications:
     1. Application Ser. No. 10/981,418 entitled “UNIVERSAL WIRELESS MULTIMEDIA DEVICE,” filed on Nov. 4, 2004;   2. Application Ser. No. 10/976,300 entitled “MODULAR WIRELESS MULTIMEDIA DEVICE,” filed on Oct. 27, 2004;   3. Application Ser. No. 10/856,124 entitled “MODULAR WIRELESS HEADSET AND/OR HEADPHONES,” filed May 28, 2004;   4. Application Ser. No. 10/856,430 entitled “PROVIDING A UNIVERSAL WIRELESS HEADSET,” filed May 28, 2004;   5. Application Ser. No. 11/120,765 entitled “MODULAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONE THAT ANCHORS VOICE COMMUNICATIONS,” filed on May 3, 2005;   6. Application Ser. No. 11/122,146 entitled “HANDOVER OF CALL SERVICED BY MODULAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONE BETWEEN SERVICING BASE PORTIONS,” filed on May 4, 2005;   7. Application Ser. No. 11/120,903 entitled “BATTERY MANAGEMENT IN A MODULAR EARPIECE MICROPHONE COMBINATION,” filed on May 3, 2005;   8. Application Ser. No. 11/120,904 entitled “PAIRING MODULAR WIRELESS EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) TO A SERVICED BASE PORTION AND SUBSEQUENT ACCESS THERETO,” filed on May 3, 2005;   9. Application Ser. No. 11/120,902 entitled “MANAGING ACCESS OF MODULAR WIRELESS EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) TO PUBLIC/PRIVATE SERVICING BASE STATION,” filed on May 3, 2005;   10. Application Ser. No. 11/120,676 entitled “EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) SERVICING MULTIPLE INCOMING AUDIO STREAMS,” filed on May 3, 2005; and   11. Application Ser. No. 11/120,455 entitled “INTEGRATED AND DETACHABLE WIRELESS HEADSET ELEMENT FOR CELLULAR/MOBILE/PORTABLE PHONES AND AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES,” filed on May 3, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.   

    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention generally relates to wireless communications and more particularly to the servicing of voice activated commands within a modular headset operable to support voice communications. 
     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&#39;s) where the typical operating range of a device is 100 meters or less. 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. Additionally, pairing and registration protocols are desirable to maintain privacy and security. 
     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&#39;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. In fact, privacy and security associated with these devices can be less than that offered by wired devices. Because wired solutions provide many current Bluetooth devices, that service voice communications, the use of such devices may be questioned. 
     Thus, there is a need for improved security and privacy operations by WLAN devices servicing audio or multimedia communications that provide additional user functionality and improved service quality. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods that are further described in the following description and claims. Other features and advantages and features of embodiments of the present invention may become apparent from the description, accompanying drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a wireless headset in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of another modular wireless headset in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of a wireless headset operable to couple to various devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a multi-channel wireless headset in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram of an access point in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of wireless earpiece in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of a wireless microphone in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of a wireless microphone in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram of a wireless microphone in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a wireless headset in performing call management; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram of a modular communication device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a logic diagram of a method for servicing voice communication with a headset in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a logic diagram of a method for servicing voice communication with a headset in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of a modular wireless headset  10  wirelessly coupled to base unit  16  that includes wireless earpiece  12  and wireless microphone  14 . Wireless earpiece  12  communicates wirelessly with microphone  14 . However, wireless earpiece  12  and wireless microphone  14  may also physically couple to exchange information establishing trusted pair relationships or establish an alternate communication pathway. Accordingly, earpiece  12  and microphone  14  may be separate communication devices. A shaped battery may be used as the framework of the headset and removably couple to earpiece  12 . Those devices may individually communicate with base unit  16  via separate communication pathways or through a single wireless interface contained either in the earpiece or microphone. As shown, earpiece  12  and microphone  14  may both communicate with base unit  16 , which may be a cellular telephone, wire line telephone, laptop computer, personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc., using transceiver (transmitter and/or receiver)  13  of  FIG. 2  via a first communication pathway  18 . Base unit  16  may also directly couple the headset to voice communication networks such as radio, cellular, wireless voice or packet data, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), private branch exchanges, or others known to those skilled in the art. 
     Although shown as being external to earpiece  12 , transceivers  13  and  15  may be integrated within earpiece  12  and microphone  14 . Base unit  16  is operable to establish a wireless pathway to earpiece  12  and/or microphone  14 . This pathway may be direct or via another wireless component and pathway, such as pathway  21 . For example, wireless microphone  14  may communicate via base unit  16  through a wireless pathway between earpiece  12  and base unit  16 . Similarly, wireless earpiece  12  could communicate with base unit  16  through wireless microphone  14 . Microphone  14  may communicate with the base unit  16  or earpiece  12  using transceiver (or transmitter)  15  of  FIG. 2  via communication pathway  20  or  21 , respectively. Either or both earpiece  12  and microphone  14  may have a user interface  22 . If the communication pathways are established in accordance with the Bluetooth specification, communication resources  18 ,  20 , and  21  may be different timeslot allocations on the same synchronous connection orientated (SCO) link, or may be separate SCO links. 
     Earpiece  12  and microphone  14  both contain a pairing circuit. These pairing circuits are operable to pair the wireless earpiece and microphone when pairing information associated with the individual earpiece  12  and microphone  14  compare favorably. If the pairing information associated with the individual earpiece  12  and microphone  14  compares unfavorably, these individual components may not pair to form a modular wireless headset. Pairing allows the microphone and earpiece, after the wireless earpiece and microphone are successfully paired, to establish a wireless connection between them. Also in the event that one of the modular components needs to be added or replaced to the modular wireless headset  10 , this component would have to pair to the other components present. 
     Pairing quite simply is the act of introducing two wireless devices to one another so that they can then communicate. Pairing enables the two or more wireless devices to join and become a trusted pair. Within a trusted pair, each device recognizes the other device(s). Then, each device can automatically accept communication and bypass the discovery and authentication process that normally happen during an initial wireless interaction between devices. Once the trusted pair is established, some embodiments may require user authentication before other devices are allowed to enter into the trusted pair. This prevents, for example, a second wireless earpiece, not of the trusted pair, from establishing communications with wireless headset  10 . This could result in an untrusted earpiece eavesdropping on the voice communication serviced by modular wireless headset  10 . Thus, pairing enables security and privacy for voice communications serviced by modular wireless headset  10 . Additionally, some embodiments may only pair when a discoverability function associated with the wireless device is enabled. For example, the device may pair when physically coupled or when a user toggles a pairing switch located on user interface  22 . When the discoverability/pairing function is not enabled, the wireless devices will not accept communications from unknown devices. 
     Standards such as the 802.11 standard may specify a common medium access control (MAC) Layer, operable to provide a variety of functions that support the operation wireless local area networks (LANs). In general, the MAC Layer manages and maintains communications between wireless components (i.e. radio network cards and access points) by coordinating access to a shared radio channel and utilizing protocols that enhance communications over a wireless medium. Often viewed as the “brains” of the network, the MAC Layer may use a Physical (PHY) Layer, such as 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, or 802.11a, to perform the tasks of carrier sensing, transmission, and receiving of frames. The pairing and registration circuits may implement MAC layer security with software code executed within the various wireless components. For example, the authentication process of proving identity specified by the 802.11 standard includes two forms: Open system authentication and shared key authentication. Open system authentication is mandatory, and it&#39;s a two step process. A network interface card (NIC) first initiates the process by sending an authentication request frame to the access point or base station. The access point or base station replies with an authentication response frame containing approval or disapproval of authentication. Shared key authentication is an optional four step process that bases authentication on whether the authenticating device has the correct WEP (wired equivalent privacy) key. The wireless NIC starts by sending an authentication request frame to the access point. The access point or base station then places challenge text into the frame body of a response frame and sends it to the radio NIC. The radio NIC uses its WEP key to encrypt the challenge text and then sends it back to the access point or base station in another authentication frame. The access point or base station decrypts the challenge text and compares it to the initial text. If the text is equivalent, then the access point assumes that the radio NIC has the correct key. The access point finishes the sequence by sending an authentication frame to the radio NIC with the approval or disapproval. 
     Once authenticated, the radio NIC must associate with the access point or base station before sending data frames. Association is necessary to synchronize the radio NIC and access point or base station with important information, such as supported data rates. The radio NIC initiates the association by sending an association request frame containing elements such as SSID and supported data rates. The access point responds by sending an association response frame containing an association ID along with other information regarding the access point. Once the radio NIC and access point complete the association process, they can send data frames to each other. 
     User interface  22  may also allow a user to initiate call functions or network hardware operations. These call functions include call initiation operations, call conferencing operations, call forwarding operations, call hold operations, call muting operations, and call waiting operations. Additionally, user interface  22  allows 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 interface  22  can be any combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display  24 , tactile interface as evidenced by buttons  26 , and/or an audio interface. 
     Each of these devices, earpiece  12 , microphone  14  and base unit  16 , 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 modular wireless headset  10  may establish communications with any available base unit  16 . Wireless headset  10  may have a minimal user interface  22  where a single authenticate or register button initiates registration. Modular wireless headset  10  includes a registration circuit. This registration circuit needs to reside in either or both the wireless microphone and wireless earpiece. The registration circuit receives and exchanges registration information with base unit  16 . Once this information is exchanged, the modular wireless headset, as well as base unit  16 , compares their registration information with the exchanged information to determine whether or not modular wireless headset  10  is authorized to use base unit  16 . Authorization will occur when the registration information within the modular wireless headset compares favorably to that of the base unit. This may involve accessing a third-party database in order to confirm where the base unit establishes communications between a servicing network, such as a cellular or public switch telephone network (PSTN) network, or a local authentication via a local database that may compare biometric, password user interface, VRS voice pattern recognition, encryption key/Donegal, in order to allow modular wireless headset  10  to access resources available through base unit  16 . 
     Registration may determine what resources the headset may access. For example, access may be granted to an available one cellular network but not a wireless packet data network. Registration may require physically coupling modular wireless headset  10  to base unit  16  or establishing wireless communications. In the case where wireless communications are established, this may require additional user input or proximity testing to authenticate and register the modular wireless headset to the base unit. The base unit, as well as the modular wireless headset, may access memory either local or via server or network to validate the registration information associated with the other component. Thus, both the base unit needs to compare the registration information and result in a favorable comparison, as well as the modular wireless headset comparing the registration information in order to result in a favorable comparison. For example, where fees are required for access, the user may not authenticate registration to avoid the fee. Registration allows communications to be automatically exchanged between the modular wireless headset and the base unit. This improves both security and privacy for communications serviced using the modular wireless headset. 
     Wireless headset  10  may reside within the service coverage area of multiple base units. Thus, when headset  10  enters (or powers up in) an area with more than one functioning wireless network, a user may depress authenticate button  26 , use a voice command or other means to start the authentication/registration process. With the button depressed, the wireless headset attempts to establish communications with base unit  16 . Subsequent authentication operations are required to have the wireless headset join the selected network. These subsequent operations may include prompting the user for selection of the network, requiring that an entry be previously made in an access list to allow wireless headset  10  to join or otherwise complete the authentication operations (registration). 
     Once wireless headset  10  joins a respective network, headset  10  may service voice communications with the base unit via respective WLAN links. Such calls will be received and managed by base unit  16  or headset  10 . Management duties for the calls may be divided between base unit  16  and headset  10 . For example, upper level portions of the cellular protocol stack may be supported by the headset while the lower level portions are supported by the base unit. Integrated circuits in either headset  10  or base unit  16  support call functions. These call functions include, but are not limited to, call initiation and termination, call conferencing operations, call forwarding operations, call hold operations, call muting operations, or call waiting operations, and may be initiated through user interface  22 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of a modular wireless headset that includes earpiece  12 , microphone  14 . This headset may also include display/camera  17 , and portable touch-screen/whiteboard  19  to support net-meetings. Microphone  14 , earpiece  12 , display/camera  17 , and portable touch-screen/whiteboard  19  may each be a separate physical device that communicates wirelessly when paired to form a modular wireless headset. Earpiece  12  is a separate device from microphone  14 , that together function to provide the modular wireless headset shown in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, earpiece  12 , microphone  14 , display/camera  17 , and a portable touch-screen/whiteboard  19  are separate communication devices that may individually communicate with base units via separate or shared communication pathways. A single communication pathway using time division may be used to communicate between earpiece  12 , microphone  14 , display/camera  17 , portable touch-screen/whiteboard  19  and base units (base units  30 - 37  or access point  21 ). These communications are secured by both pairing and registration. Encryption, validation, or other like methods known to those skilled in the art may also be used and support one-way or two-way audio, video or text communications. One way communications allow the headset to act as receivers to broadcast information, while two-way communications allow real-time voice communications, such as phone or radio communications, which may be augmented with data, text, and video to support interactive net-meetings. 
     Earpiece  12 , once paired to form a modular wireless headset and registered to a base unit, may automatically communicate with base unit  16  and attached resources.  FIG. 3  depicts those resources as a cellular telephone network, wire line telephone, Ethernet telephone, laptop computer, personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc, using transceiver (or receiver)  13  via a first communication pathways  18 . Base unit  16  may establish a wireless pathway to earpiece  12  or microphone  14 . The microphone  14 , once authorized or validated, may communicate with the base unit  16  using transceiver (or transmitter)  15  via a second communication pathway  20  or by sharing communication pathway  18  with earpiece  12 . Display/camera  17  and portable touch-screen/whiteboard  19  may communicate with the base unit  16  using transceivers (receivers and/or transmitters)  25  and  27  via communication pathways  21  and  23 , respectively, or by relaying communications through another wireless component. 
     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 base unit. Validation or pairing may prevent unauthorized devices from communicatively coupling to the base unit. 
     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 (multi-channel audio). This option may limit resources provided to microphone  14 , display/camera  17 , or whiteboard  19  to service multi-channel audio. Another example may favor the use of only earphone  12  and display/camera  17  to render streamed video and audio content. To coordinate the presentation of both audio and video in such an example, earphone  12  and display/camera  17  and their received communications may be synchronized to provide a quality viewing experience. Similarly, to coordinate the presentation of multiple audio channels, earphones  12  may be synchronized in order to provide a quality experience. To coordinate the presentation of real-time two-way audio earphones  12  and microphone  14  may 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 to support net-meetings. In many cases, this results in headsets that are cumbersome to use and uncomfortable to wear. The protocol used between modular components (base units, host devices, access points and other communicatively coupled devices) may allow the base unit to send data to each device in a coordinated manner that allows for the synchronized presentation of multimedia content by the devices. Alternatively, the information may be supplied to one component and then distributed within the trusted pair devices that make up the modular wireless headset. For example, one embodiment may allocate a predetermined portion of each data transmission for each media format. This would allow base unit  16  to transmit the same data to each device, wherein each device only processes that content intended for that device. In another embodiment, base unit 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. 
     Earpiece  12  and microphone  14  may have on-chip operations to support call conferencing, call waiting, flash, and other features associated with telephones or net-meetings. These functions may be accessed and reviewed by a user interface and display within the base unit or a user interface and display located on or coupled to either earphone  12  or microphone  14 . The user interface and display, located on or coupled to either the base unit or earphone  12  or microphone  14  may 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 earphone  12  or microphone  14  may enable voice activated dialing. The actual voice recognition could be performed within earphone  12 , microphone  14 , or a base unit. Thus, earphone  12  or microphone  14  may act to initiate calls and receive calls. A link between earphone  12  and microphone  14  would allow earphone  12  or microphone  14  to share resources, such as batter life, and allow earphone  12  or microphone  14  to be recharged from a base unit. 
     Each of the devices  30 - 37  also includes piconet RF interface  38  and/or wireless interface  39 . Piconet RF interface  38  may be constructed to support one or more versions of the Bluetooth specification. As such, each of the piconet RF interfaces  38 - 36  include 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, wireless headset  10  may be wirelessly coupled with any one of the devices  30 - 37  and act as the headset communicatively coupled and registered to the devices  30 - 37 . 
     Devices  30 - 37  may further include a wireless LAN (WLAN) RF interface  39 . The wireless LAN RF interfaces  39  may 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 interfaces  39  include 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, 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 base units. For example, via piconet RF interfaces  38  laptop  34  can communicate directly with cellular telephone  36 . In contrast, via WLAN RF interfaces  39 , laptop  34  communicates indirectly, via access point  21 , with cellular telephone  36 . In general, the coverage area of a piconet is significantly smaller than the coverage area of a WLAN. Thus, for example, if headset  10  and cellular telephone  36  were unable to establish a piconet connection via piconet RF interfaces  38  due to distance between the devices. These devices would be able to establish a wireless communication link via the WLAN RF interfaces  39  and access point  21 . Dual communication pathways allow communications to be switched between pathways, dependent on factors such as audio quality, signal strength, and available bandwidth. 
     Wireless headset  10  may establish a piconet with any one of the devices  30 - 37  or with access point  21 , which includes WLAN RF interface  39  and piconet RF interface  38 . As such, wireless headset  10  may function as the headset for wire line telephone  37 , Ethernet telephone  35 , personal digital assistant  30 , personal computer  32 , laptop computer  34 , and/or cellular telephone  36  provided a piconet and registration 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. 
     If voice communications are to be serviced via wire line telephone  37  (i.e., the base unit for this example), but headset  10  is at a distance such that a piconet cannot be established between their piconet RF interfaces, and headset  10  is in a range to establish a piconet with cellular telephone  36 , the piconet RF interfaces of cellular telephone  36  and headset  10 , respectively, would establish a piconet, which may be established in accordance with the Bluetooth specification. With this piconet established, cellular telephone  36 , via its WLAN RF interface, establishes a wireless connection with access point  21 . Access point  21  then establishes a communication link with wire line telephone  37 . Thus, a logical connection is established between headset  10  and wire line telephone  37  via cellular telephone  36  and access point  21 . Note that wire line telephone  37  may be directly coupled to LAN  50  or coupled to a private branch exchange (PBX), which in turn is coupled to access point  21 . Accordingly, within a wireless geographic area, the range of headset  10  may be extended utilizing the WLAN within the geographic area. As such, headset  10  extends the mobility of its user, extends the range of headset use, and expands on headset functionality while preserving privacy and security by seeking service from base units to which it may be registered. Alternatively, headset  10  may establish a piconet with cell phone  36 . This allows cell phone  36  to establish an alternate communication pathway for the communications serviced by wired telephone  37 . Then it is possible for the call serviced by telephone  37  or  35  to be “handed off” to cellular telephone  36 . 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of another embodiment of a modular wireless headset  10  that includes two earpieces  12 A and  12 B, microphone  14 , and user interface  22 . In this configuration, microphone  14  communicates with base unit  16  via communication pathway  20 , earpiece  12 A communicates with base unit  16  using transceiver (or receiver)  13 A via communication pathway  18  and earpiece  12 B communicates with base unit  16  using transceiver (or receiver)  13 B via communication pathway  32 . Alternatively, earpieces  12 A and  12 B, and microphone  14  may establish a piconet and communicate with base unit  16  via a single communication pathway. 
     In operation, voice produced by the individual using microphone  14  is received via a microphone transducer and converted into RF signals by circuitry within microphone  14 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . These RF signals are provided to base unit  16  via the previously identified communication pathways. Base unit  16  includes a corresponding receiver antenna  46  and receiver module to recapture the audio signals received via communication pathways  18 ,  20  and  32 . In addition, base unit  16  includes at least one transmitter to transmit audio information to the earpiece(s)  12 A and  12 B. In one embodiment, base unit  16  may transmit left channel stereo information to earpiece  12 A and right channel stereo information to earpiece  12 B. In addition to receiving outgoing voice communications, microphone  14  may also receive voice commands that are recognized and executed by processing modules within the modular headset. The processing of these commands will be discussed in further detail with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     Wireless headphone(s) may be realized by omitting microphone  14  and including either one or both of earpieces  12 A and  12 B. In this embodiment, base unit  16  may be a playback device such as a CD player, DVD player, cassette player, etc. operable to stream audio information. If the display of  FIG. 2  is utilized as well, both streaming audio and video may be enjoyed by the user. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram of a base unit that supports modular wireless multimedia devices. Base unit  16  includes 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)  12  and microphone  14 , display  17  and whiteboard  19  through antenna  46 . The base unit 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 module  40  and receiver module  42 . 
     Base unit  16  also includes registration circuit  49  with which to compare registration information contained in memory available to base unit  16  and registration information received from headset  10 . Registration may occur by physically coupling or docking headset  10  to the base unit or may occur wirelessly. Registration allows a trusted relationship to be established between base unit  16  and headset  10 . This relationship ensures privacy and security of communication service by the wireless connection between base unit  16  and headset  10 . This trusted relationship utilizes a pass key or other like means of verification to ensure that base unit  16  and headset  10  have permission to access one another. Once the trusted relationship is established through registration, the re-initialization of that relationship is not necessary in order to service communications between base unit  16  and headset  10 . The registration information to be exchanged and compared may include voice patterns, biometric information, user tactile inputs in response to stimuli, password, voice recognized input, audio or video tests, encryption keys, handwriting recognition inputs, third party verification and testing, proximity information or other like information known to those skilled in the art. This same set of information may also be used in the previously identified paring process. 
     Transmitter module  40  accepts voice communications or unmodulated streamed audio, video, data or text from a servicing network or playback device  44  (e.g., DVD player, MP3 player, CD player, cassette player, or other like devices known to those skilled in the art). Playback device  44  may be integrated within base unit  16 . Transmitter module  40  then 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 module  42  accepts modulated streamed audio, video, data or text from multimedia device  10 . Receiver module  42  recovers signals from the received low IF signals. The recovered signals are then relayed to the servicing network or presentation device  45 . 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 base unit  16  couples to a telephone network (PSTN, cellular, satellite, WLAN, VOIP, etc.). Base unit  16  may receive data associated with the command as well. For example, caller ID information may be passed to user interface  22  or enhanced call operations may be initiated based on input received at the user interface. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram of earpiece  12 . Earpiece  12  includes receiver module  41 , optional user interface  43 , processing module  45 , and speaker module  47 . Receiver module  40  includes antenna  46 , bandpass filter  48 , low noise amplifier  50 , down converter  52  and local oscillator  54 . User interface  43  can be any combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display  22 , tactile interface as evidenced by buttons  26 , and/or an audio interface represented by microphone/speaker and may operably couple to processing module  58  to initiate call functions or playback functions which will be described further in  FIG. 10 . 
     Processing module  45  performs data recovery and includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)  56 . The processing module also includes pairing circuit  49  and registration circuit  51 . Digital channel filter  60  and demodulator  61  process the recovered signal while setup module  76 , pairing circuit  49  and registration circuit  51  act to establish secure, private communications path with trusted devices and the base units. Speaker module  47  includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)  62 , variable gain module  64 , and at least one speaker  66  to render recovered communications. 
     Once the piconet is configured and trusted relationships are established, receiver module  41  receives inbound RF signal  68  from base unit  16  via antenna  46 . Bandpass filter  48  filters the received RF signal  68  which are subsequently amplified by low noise amplifier  50 . Down converter  52  converts the filtered and amplified RF signal  68  into low intermediate frequency (IF) signal  70  based on a local oscillator  54 . Low IF signals  70  may have a carrier frequency at DC ranging to a few megahertz. 
     Processing module  45  receives low IF signals  70  and converts the low IF signals  70  into digital signals via ADC  56 . Processing module  45  may 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 module  58  implements 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 filter  60  receives the digital low IF signals  72  and filters these signals. Demodulator  61  recovers audio signals  74  from the filtered low IF signals. Note that the generation of RF signal  68  and subsequent demodulation to recapture audio signal  74  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. 
     Speaker module  47  converts digital audio signal  72  into analog signals rendered to the user through speakers  66 . Adjustable gain module  64  adjusts the gain (i.e., adjusts volume), and provides the amplified signals to speaker  66 , which produces audible signals  74 . As long as the piconet remains in place between earpiece  12  and base unit  16 , earpiece  12  will produce audible signals  74  from received inbound RF signal  68 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram of microphone  14  that includes audio input module  80 , transmitter module  82  and user interface  101 . Audio input module  80  includes microphone  84 , amplifier  86 , ADC  88 , processing module  100  that includes a setup module  92  and modulator  90 , and DAC  62 . Setup module  92  further includes a pairing circuit and an optional registration circuit to establish secure, private communications as previously described. User interface  101  can be any combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display  103 , tactile interface as evidenced by buttons  107 , and/or an audio interface represented by microphone/speaker  109  and may operably couple to processing module  100  to initiate call functions which will be described further in  FIG. 10 . Transmitter module  82  includes up-converter  94 , local oscillator  96 , power amplifier  97 , bandpass filter  98 , and antenna  102 . 
     ADC  88  couples to microphone  84  where ADC  88  can produce a digital audio signal from the analog audio signals captured by the microphone. Multiple CODECs may be used. For example, a voice recognition software (VRS) codec may be used when the ADC operates in a voice command mode. Alternatively, a voice codec that supports voice communications may be used when the ADC is operating in a voice mode. The user may be able to select in the voice command mode with a one-touch button or other user interface causing the ADC to utilize a separate codec for the voice command mode. ADC  88  may be located either in microphone  14  or within earpiece  12 . 
     In another embodiment ADC  88  may in fact be two or more ADCs that are coupled to the microphone transducer. In such a case, the first ADC would be operable to produce digital audio signals from the analog audio signals captured by the microphone in accordance with the VRS CODEC. The second ADC operating in parallel with the first supports voice communications with a separate voice codec. These ADCs may be contained or coupled to processing module  100 . 
     These voice commands may be used to implement many functions. These functions may include, but are not limited to, network interface functions, base unit interface functions, directory functions, caller I.D. functions, call waiting functions, call conferencing functions, call initiation functions, device programming functions, and playback device functions. Additionally, the user voice commands may be used to initiate, validate, and/or authenticate a servicing network and the formation of a trusted relationship between modular components such as microphone  14  and earpiece  12 . 
     Once microphone  14  is configured within a piconet, microphone  84  to receives audio signals  105  and converts these signals to analog signals  106 . Amplifier  86  amplifies analog audio signals  106  that ADC  88  then converts into digital audio signals  108 . Modulator  90  modulates the digital signals based on a predetermined communication standard. As shown, modulator  90  and setup module  92  are implemented within processing module  100 . Processing module  100  may 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 module  100  implements 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-converter  94  converts modulated signals  110  into RF signals based on local oscillator  96 . Power amplifier  97  amplifies these signals which may be subsequently processed by bandpass filter  98 . The filtered RF signals are then transmitted via antenna  102  as outbound RF signals  110  to base unit  16 . As long as the piconet is established to include microphone  14  and base unit  16  in a trusted pair, microphone  14  may transmit to base unit  16  in the manner described. 
     As shown in both  FIGS. 6 and 7 , separable connector  112  may physically connect setup modules  76  and  92 . Such a physical connection allows for earpiece  12  and microphone  14  to communicate in both directions with the base unit. For example, if the devices are compliant with one or more versions of the Bluetooth Specification, base unit  16 , functioning as the master, may issue a registration request to earpiece  12  coupled to microphone  14 . Upon receiving this request, earpiece  12  and microphone  14  respond to the request indicating that RF channel(s) be established for the headset. Based on these responses, the master coordinates the establishment of the pathways and provides synchronization information through earpiece  12  and microphone  14  via receiver module  40  of earpiece  12 . Setup modules  76  and  92  coordinate the registration of earpiece  12  and microphone  14  with the base unit, pairing of earpiece  12  and microphone  14 , as well as coordinating timeslot assignments and/or SCO link assignments. Once the physical connection between earpiece  12  and microphone may be severed to establish earpiece  12  and microphone  14  as separate pieces. 
     Alternatively, earpiece  12  and microphone  14  may each directly couple to the base unit to accomplish this setup. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate schematic block diagrams of earpiece  12  and microphone  14  that include transceiver modules (i.e., receiver modules and transmitter modules). The use of the transceiver modules allow earpiece  12 , microphone  14  and base unit  16  to be physically separate devices and be configured, paired and registered using wireless communications. As such, earpiece  12  and microphone  14  may be continuously worn on a person for receiving incoming calls and/or placing outgoing calls. 
     Earpiece  12 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , includes antenna  46 , transmit/receive switch  122 , receiver module  41 , processing module  45 , speaker module  47 , transmitter module  120 , input module  128  and display module  132 . Receiver module  41 , processing module  45 , and speaker module  47  operate as discussed with reference to  FIG. 6 . Processing module  45  may also produce display information for display module  132 . For instance, the received RF signal may include information such as caller ID, command information, etc. which is separated by processing module  45  and provided to display module  132 , which may be an LCD display, plasma display, etc. 
     Input module  128 , which may be a keypad, touch screen, voice recognition circuit, or other like user interfaces, receives user commands and produces digital command messages  124  there from. Such digital command messages  124  includes, 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. 
     Processing module  45  receives digital command messages  124  and, 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 module  132  and the gain of amplifier  64  adjusted to adjust the volume associated with speaker  66 . This command may also initiate pairing and registration. 
     Transmit module  120  receives digital command messages  124  and converts these messages into outbound RF command signals  126 , which are subsequently transmitted to base unit  16  and/or microphone module via antenna  46 . Accordingly, by including transmitter module  120  along with receiver module  41 , earpiece  12  may function as a master and/or slave and exchange/relay data for other components. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram of microphone  14  that includes audio input module  80 , transmitter module  82 , transmit receive switch  122 , antenna  102 , receiver module  132 , input module  140  and display module  138 . Input module  140  is operable to receive user input commands  142 , including voice commands and convert these commands into digital command messages  144 . In the case of voice commands, the combination of audio input module  80  and input module  140  include one or more ADCs, such as previously described ADC  88  operable to processed transduced audio communications with a voice CODEC and voice commands with a voice recognition software (VRS) CODEC. 
     Input module  140  couples to or includes a user interface that allows a user to initiate call functions or network hardware operations, such as pairing and registration. Network interface functions may include base unit interface functions, component 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 commands  142 . Digital command messages  144  may be similar to digital command messages  124  and may further include establish a call, terminate a call, call waiting, or other like functions. Transmitter module  82  converts digital command messages  144  into RF command signals  134  that are transmitted via antenna  102 . Similarly, inbound RF command signals  135  may be received by receiver module  132  via antenna  102 . Display module  138 , which may be a LCD display, plasma display, etc., receives digital command messages  136 , and 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 module  138 . 
       FIG. 10  is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a wireless headset constructed according to the present invention in serving voice communications while providing call management. The operations described with reference to  FIG. 10  may be performed whole or in part by an on-chip processor within or coupled to processing modules  58  and  100  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . During normal operations, the wireless headset services normal operations, e.g., single call or device playback. Other modular devices, such as those of  FIG. 2  that couple to the microphone or headset, may perform these operations. These functions may be implemented by voice commands recognized by the VRS CODEC as discussed with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 9 . 
     One particular operation that the wireless headset may perform is to place a call on hold (step  1004 ). In such case, the wireless headset ceases producing audio input and audio output for the call (step  1006 ). These operations are continued during a wait state (step  1008 ) until normal operations are resumed for the call (step  1010 ). From step  1010 , operation proceeds to step  1002 . The call hold operations of steps  1004 - 1010  may be performed in conjunction with the other operations of  FIG. 10 , e.g., call waiting, call muting, call conferencing, etc. 
     Call conferencing (step  1012 ) may be initiated by the wireless headset or by a master device if the wireless headset does not have sufficient user interface for call conferencing initiation. In such case, a new call is established by the wireless headset (step  1014 ). This new call may be serviced by the additional channels serviced by the wireless headset. As was previously described, the wireless headset supports multiple channels. Using this multiple channels, the wireless headset receives audio input from all participants (step  1016 ) and combines the audio input, along with the input generated by the user of the wireless headset. The wireless headset then directs the combined audio to all participants (their servicing CODECs at step  1020 ). Note that these operations are continually performed for the duration of the conference call. 
     The wireless headset may also mute calls (step  1022 ). In such case, the wireless headset simply ceases all audio output ( 1024 ) and waits for the user of the wireless headset to cease the muting operations (step  1026 ). When the muting has been ceased, the wireless headset resumes the audio servicing of the call (step  1028 ). 
     The wireless multimedia device also performs call waiting operations (step  1030 ). In such case, the wireless multimedia device receives an indication that a call is inbound (step  1032 ). However, instead of immediately servicing the call, the wireless multimedia device notifies the user of the wireless multimedia device of the call (step  1034 ), e.g., provides a beeping indication to the user of the wireless multimedia device. The wireless multimedia device then services the call (step  1036 ), at the direction of the user to either complete the call, have the call join a currently serviced call (via call conferencing operations in some cases), or to ignore the call. 
     The wireless multimedia device may also perform call forwarding operations according to the present invention (step  1038 ). In such case, the wireless multimedia device receives the call (step  1040 ). However, instead of servicing the call, the wireless multimedia device determines a forwarding location for the call (step  1042 ) and then forwards the call (step  1044 ). Operation from steps  1010 ,  1020 ,  1028 ,  1036 , and  1044  return to step  1002 . 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic block diagram of modular communication device  150 , such as a wireless terminal (e.g., cell phone or wireless packet data phone) that includes host device (base unit)  152 , detachable microphone  154  and detachable earpiece  156 . In this embodiment, modular communication device  150  may function as a typical device (e.g., cellular telephone, CD player, cassette player, etc.) when detachable earpiece  156  and detachable microphone  154  are physically connected to host device  152 . When detachable earpiece  156  is not in physical contact with host device  152 , a wireless connection couples detachable earpiece  156  and host device  152 . Similarly, when detachable microphone  154  is detached from host device  152 , a second wireless connection couples detachable microphone  154  and host device  152 . Alternatively, when detachable earpiece  156  and/or detachable microphone  154  are physically coupled to host device  152 , they may communicate via a physical or wireless link. At this time, they may be paired and registered as well to the host device. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, modular communication device  150  may include multiple detachable earpieces  156 . In addition, modular communication device  150  may omit detachable microphone  154  if host device  152  is a playback type device (e.g., DVD player, CD player, cassette player, etc.). Similarly, modular communication device  150  may omit detachable earpiece  156  when functioning as a recording device (e.g., dictaphone). Detachable earpiece  156  and microphone  154  may have on-chip operations to support call conferencing, call waiting, flash, and other features associated with telephones. These functions may be accessed and reviewed by a user interface  158  and display  160  within host device  152  or a user interface and display located on either detachable earpiece  156  or microphone  154 . The user interface and display, located on either the host device or detachable earpiece  156  and microphone  154  may 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 the earpiece  156  and microphone  154  may enable voice activated dialing. The actual voice recognition could be performed within earpiece  156 , microphone  154 , or host device  152 . Thus, earpiece  156  and microphone  154  may act to initiate calls and receive calls. 
     A link between earpiece  156  and microphone  154  would allow earpiece  156  and microphone  154  to share resources, such as battery life, and allow earpiece  156  and microphone  154  to be recharged from host device  152 . Earpiece/microphone/base portion are included with cell phone battery. Cell phone battery has openings  162  and  164  located therein for storage/recharging of earpiece  156  and microphone  154 . When located in these openings, the earpiece/microphone will be recharged from the cell phone battery. The new cell phone battery may include base portion RF interface and interface to cell phone port. Existing cell phone port technology could be used to treat the earpiece/microphone in the same manner as wired earpiece/microphone is treated. 
       FIG. 12  is a logic flow diagram of a method of servicing voice communications between a destination terminal and modular wireless headset. During normal operations audio information from the user is received through a microphone as described previously with reference to microphone  14 . This audio information is received in step  200 . As previously described, a user may activate a voice command mode with a one-touch button or other like interface known to those having skill in the art. Thus, at decision point  202  a determination is made as to whether or not a voice command mode is active or selected. If the voice command mode is not active normal operations and servicing of the audio communications will continue utilizing a voice CODECs in step  204 . However, should a voice command mode be activated at decision point  202 , ADCs utilizing a VRS CODEC will convert the voice commands, audio communications received through the microphone, into digital commands in step  206 . These digital commands are used in step  208  to initiate specific functions such as enhanced call features, equipment features, network functions, or other like features. 
       FIG. 13  provides a second logic flow diagram, however, in this case multiple ADCs are present wherein each ADC is operable to process received audio information. In step  300 , audio information is received by the multiple ADCs. A first ADC may process the audio information with a VRS CODEC in step  302  then a determination may be made at decision point  304  as to whether or not a voice command is present within the processed audio information. If not, the audio information may be processed using a voice CODEC in step  306  and the call for other audio communications will continue to be normally serviced. Should a voice command be present as determined at step  304 , the voice command will be converted into a digital command in step  308 , after which the digital command may be initiated in step  310 . Although described as occurring in series in  FIG. 13 , the processing by the multiple ADCs utilizing multiple CODECs may occur in parallel. 
     In summary, the present invention provides a modular headset operable to support both voice communications and voice activated commands. This may involve the use of multiple voice CODECs to process voice communications and voice activated commands. The modular headset includes both a microphone and wireless earpiece. The earpiece may further include an interface, a processing circuit, a speaker, a user interface, a pairing circuit, and a registration circuit. The interface allows the earpiece to communicate with the base unit that couples the modular headset to a servicing network. One or more analog to digital converters (ADCs), which may be located within either the microphone or earpiece, are operable to process the transduced voice communications in accordance with either a voice CODEC and/or voice recognition CODEC depending on the selected mode of operation or the processing architecture. 
     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.