Patent Abstract:
A configurable modular communication device ( 200 ) is composed of an information delivery module ( 204 ) and an information input module ( 202 ) that are matable to each other. The information delivery module is a single base unit that can work with a touchscreen keypad ( 216 ) or a number of modular keypad or other information input attachments. The information input module enables a user to change the look of the modular communication device according to personal taste and enhances its functionality to fit the exact occasion and mode of use. The information delivery module acts on its own as the navigation key and provides on its display screen menu (including an on-screen touch sensing keypad) user access to all functionality including telephone ( 320 ), PDA (personal digital assistant) ( 270 ), camera ( 246 ), clock ( 80 ), and MP 3  music player ( 280 ). User-controlled navigation takes place on or in the vicinity of the display screen, whether by hard or soft key actuation.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2007/073178, filed Jul. 10, 2007, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/830,072, filed Jul. 10, 2006. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to mobile communication devices and, in particular, to a modular, configurable, multi-function mobile communication device that can be fully customized to users&#39; personal tastes and desired modes of use. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    The increasing worldwide popularity of mobile or cellular telephones has transformed the way people live and work, while reshaping the cultural landscape. The proliferation of thousands of models and styles of mobile telephones has turned this one-time marvel of technology into a commodity product. Over 500 million sleek, colorful new mobile telephone sets are sold annually and used to send text and e-mail messages, browse the World Wide Web, play video games, keep track of personal information, take photographs, and store and play music in many different situations, modes, and capacities. The mobile telephone has rapidly become the centerpoint of digital life, as well as a personal fashion statement. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0004]    Preferred embodiments of a mobile communication device combine the latest in communication technology with established patterns of human behavior. Several of the preferred embodiments of the communication device specifically described are those of a mobile telephone. By framing the opportunity within the context of a market that had become greatly commodified and was rapidly fragmenting, applicant identified an opportunity to move away from developing yet another multi-function mobile telephone. The design of the modular multi-function mobile telephone embodies definitions of several user profiles, along with potential use scenarios that range from individuals wanting to stay in touch at all times in a familiar way, to business professionals seeking to easily connect to the Internet and send and receive e-mail messages, and to teenagers wanting to customize in an instant their telephones to a desired look. 
         [0005]    Applicants&#39; conceptual exploration of technology, communication, and human behavior revealed certain interesting findings. Although mobile telephones are becoming increasingly smaller, human fingers are not. As a matter of simple practicality, the keypad has remained the largest component of these devices. The keypad is also the most configurable and least expensive component of the mobile telephone. Preferred embodiments separate the keypad from the rest of the mobile telephone components and provide a flexible, functional, and configurable modular communication device called “POD” that can fully and affordably address a user&#39;s desire for greater customization. 
         [0006]    POD is composed of an information delivery module, called “puck” because of the physical appearance of its preferred embodiments, and an information input module, such as a keypad. The information delivery and information input modules are matable to each other. The puck is a single base unit that can work with a touchscreen keypad or a number of modular keypad or other information input attachments. With the puck, POD addresses different use modes and aesthetic sensibilities of its users. This enables the user to change the look of the product according to personal taste and enhances the functionality of the device to fit the exact occasion and mode of use. The puck preferably contains communication and display signal processing circuitry and associated components of the POD, including a display screen, energy supply (battery), and video camera. Communication signal connectors or other devices are placed on the outside ring or rear surface of the puck. The puck acts on its own as the navigation key and provides on its screen menu (including an on-screen touch sensing keypad) user access to all functionality including telephone, PDA (personal digital assistant), camera, clock, and MP3 music player. Navigation key actuators include mechanical keys or, more preferably, touchscreen function actuation areas. User-controlled navigation takes place on or in the vicinity of the display screen, whether by hard or soft key actuation. 
         [0007]    Functionality can be expanded by use of a keypad module that enables the POD to be used as a conventional mobile telephone, PDA, MP3 player, and gaming device. Using common flex-circuit technology, interchangeable keypads can be encased and manufactured inexpensively in many different shapes, finishes, and materials such as leather, fabrics, silicon rubbers, plastics, and metals. In certain embodiments, use in the puck of an on-screen touch sensing keypad enhances POD design flexibility by enabling use of fewer (by elimination of the keypad module) or different functional controls in the information input module. Moreover, accent covers fitted over the back surface of the POD provide another opportunity to readily customize its appearance. 
         [0008]    The modular design approach implements a compact, affordable, customizable, and highly functional solution that transcends use and user differences while creating an iconic device. 
         [0009]    Additional aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D are, respectively, front perspective, rear perspective, front elevation, and side elevation views of a preferred information delivery module (or “puck”) configured to fit into a depthwise tapered opening in, and achieve matable connection with, any one of a number of information input modules to create a variety of embodiments of a modular multi-function communication device. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C are perspective views of a modular multi-function communication device shown, respectively, completely assembled, partly exploded to illustrate a telephone input module embodied as a conventional mobile telephone form factor keypad having a circular, depthwise tapered opening sized to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 1A-1D ; and held in the palm of a user&#39;s right hand. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C are perspective views of a modular multi-function communication device shown, respectively, completely assembled; partly exploded to illustrate a telephone input module embodied as a wrist watch keypad having a circular, depthwise tapered opening sized to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 1A-1D ; and worn on a user&#39;s left wrist. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C are respective top plan, side surface elevation, and side profile elevation views of the wrist watch of  FIGS. 3A-3C  in a folded state; and 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4D and 4E  are respective inside and outside surface perspective views of the wrist watch of  FIGS. 3A-3C  in an unfolded state. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C are, respectively, perspective, front elevation, and side elevation views of an information delivery module of a modular multi-function communication device, which module is embodied as a necklace pendant; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 5D  is a frontal view of a user wearing the necklace pendant around her neck. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are top plan views of a modular multi-function communication device shown, respectively, completely assembled and partly exploded to illustrate a personal digital assistant (PDA) or text messaging input module embodied as a keypad configured for two-hand operation and having an arcuate, depthwise tapered opening sized to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 1A-1D ;  FIGS. 6C and 6D  are respective front side elevation and left-hand side elevation views of the modular multi-function communication device of  FIG. 6A ; and  FIG. 6E  is a perspective view of the modular multi-function communication device of  FIG. 6A  shown with the keyboard held by a user for two-hand operation. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are top plan and perspective views of a modular multi-function communication device shown, respectively, partly exploded to illustrate a game pad input module configured for two-hand operation and with an arcuate, depthwise tapered opening sized to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 1A-1D , and completely assembled and held by a user performing two-hand operation of joystick/navigation keys and gaming buttons. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective views of a modular multi-function communication device shown, respectively, partly exploded to illustrate a telephone input module embodied as a vehicle dock equipped with a speaker and configured with a circular, depthwise tapered opening sized to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 1A-1D , and completely assembled and supported by an articulating attachment arm fixed to and extending from a vehicle dashboard. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  9 C are perspective views of a modular multi-function communication device shown, respectively, completely assembled, partly exploded to illustrate a telephone input module embodied as a hand-held medallion in the form of an annular keypad having a circular, depthwise tapered central opening sized to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 1A-1D , and held in the palm of a user&#39;s right hand and secured by a strap around the user&#39;s wrist. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  10 C are perspective views of the inside surface of a foldable modular multi-function communication device shown, respectively, completely assembled in an unfolded state, partly exploded in an unfolded state to illustrate a telephone input module embodied as a flexible keypad having a circular, depthwise tapered opening sized to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 1A-1D , and partly closed in a direction to fold the inside surface on itself;  FIGS. 10D and 10E  are respective inside surface and outside surface elevation views and  FIG. 10F  is a side profile elevation view of the modular multi-function communication device of  FIGS. 10A-10C ; and  FIGS. 10G and 10H  show, respectively, the design pattern and image camera portions of the outside surface of the modulator multi-function communication device of  FIG. 10E  completely closed with the inside surface completely folded on itself. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a modular multi-function communication device shown partly exploded to illustrate a mobile telephone keypad configured to receive an information delivery module of rectangular shape and implemented with touchscreen display technology. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C, and  12 D are, respectively, front, side elevation, rear, and bottom plan views of the information delivery module of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a key-fob that cooperates with the information delivery module of  FIGS. 12A-12D  to provide it with a loss prevention feature. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a modular multi-function communication device shown partly exploded to illustrate a personal digital assistant (PDA) configured to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 12A-12D . 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a modular multi-function communication device shown partly exploded to illustrate a multi-purpose audio player configured to receive an information delivery module of a type similar to that of  FIGS. 12A-12D . 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a modular multi-function communication device shown partly exploded to illustrate an image camera with acquired image transmission capability and configured to receive an information delivery module of a type similar to that of  FIGS. 12A-12D . 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a modular multi-function communication device shown partly exploded to illustrate an ultra-thin mobile telephone keypad configured to receive the information delivery module of  FIGS. 12A-12D . 
           [0029]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  are perspective views of an accent cover for the information delivery module of  FIG. 11  shown, respectively, partly exploded to illustrate how the accent cover fits over the back surface and side margins of the information delivery module and separately to illustrate the accent cover fitted with a loop through which a cord is laced to enable a user to wear the information delivery module as a custom-styled fashion accessory. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    Preferred embodiments of the POD transform the mobile telephone, text message, photographic or video image acquisition, music listening, video watching, or video game experience by offering a modular multi-function communication device that can be easily and affordably customized to meet users&#39; exact needs and desires through a variety of interchangeable attachments. POD is a flexible system based on a shared information delivery module or puck  20 , a personable, compact embodiment of which is shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D. Puck  20  preferably embodies a minimal, elegant shape (e.g., round, square, or rectangular) and fits comfortably in hand on its own, can be worn as a fashion statement through jewelry such as a necklace ( FIG. 5A ) or wrist watch ( FIG. 3A ), or can be transformed by a number of other information input or keypad modules ( FIGS. 2A ,  6 A,  7 A,  8 A,  9 A,  10 A,  11 A,  14 A, and  15 ) in many different forms, materials, finishes, and colors. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D, puck  20  is an information delivery module that includes on its front side a display screen  22 , on its rear side an image camera  24 , and in its interior a power source (not shown), such as a battery, and associated internal electronic circuitry (not shown) that provides signals for delivery of information to a user without user stimulus, with user stimulus, or both. Internal electronic circuitry includes communication signal processing circuitry for receiving, transmitting, or receiving and transmitting one or more of cellular telephone, image camera, and electronic message signals; image display symbology and patterns; or other communication signals presenting visual or audible information to a user. The receipt of cellular telephone, video, and e-mail message signals and the display of image patterns (e.g., time of day) are typically accomplished without coincident user stimulus. Control buttons  30  positioned on a top annular rim  34  at a periphery  36  of puck  20  may be actuated by a user to set a display mode (e.g., clock face or decorative pattern), enable or disable certain functions (e.g., transfer cellular telephone call to voice message), or control certain operating conditions (e.g., control navigation through menu structure). Alternatively and more preferably, the user-controlled actions described above are accomplished by providing a touchscreen (implemented with currently available touch sensing technology) as display screen  22  and touching by the user of function actuation areas of the touchscreen to select the desired functional operation. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  1 D show puck  20  in the form of a disk having a generally flat front surface  40  and a generally flat rear surface  42 . Front surface  40  is of greater area than that of rear surface  42 . A beveled side surface  44  interconnecting front and rear surfaces  40  and  42  is sized to mate with a complementary depthwise tapered side surface of any one of many information input module embodiments, several examples of which are described in detail below. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C show a modular communication device  50  that includes an information input module styled as a conventional mobile telephone form factor keypad  52 . Keypad  52  exhibits on its upper surface  54  a conventional set of keypad buttons  56  and receives puck  20  in a circular aperture  58 , as shown in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  3 C show a modular communication device  60  that includes an information input module embodied as a keypad styled as a wrist watch band  62 . Wrist watch band  62  is made of a flexible, resilient electronic circuit board substrate material, such as Kapton™ polyimide film manufactured by DuPont, which a user can configure to a desired shape and exhibits memory properties that retain the user-configured shape. Watch band  62  exhibits on its outside surface  64  a conventional set of keypad buttons  66  and receives puck  20  in a circular aperture  68 , as shown in  FIG. 3B .  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C show watch band  62  in a folded state representing the shape assumed when a user wears wrist watch modular communication device  60 .  FIGS. 4D and 4E  show watch band  62  in an unfolded, flat state, illustrating, respectively, its inside surface  70  and image camera  24  of puck  20 , and its outside surface  64  with keypad buttons  66  and display surface  22  of puck  20 . 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIGS. 2B and 3B , each of circular aperture  58  of keypad  52  and circular aperture  68  of watch band  62  has an inner side surface  74  of complementary beveled shape to that of beveled side surface  44  of puck  20 . Electrical contacts  76  positioned on inner side surface  74  provide an interface to deliver signals to and receive signals from corresponding electrical contacts  78  on side surface  44  ( FIG. 1B ) of puck  20  when it is installed in aperture  58  or  68 . Substituting infrared light transmitter and sensor devices for electrical contacts  76  and  78  provides an alternative communication link interface for delivering signals to and receiving signals from puck  20  when it is installed in an information input module.  FIGS. 2A and 3A  show puck  20  installed in keypad  52  and wrist watch band  62  to form, respectively, conventional mobile telephone form factor modular communication device  50  and wrist watch modular communication device  60 .  FIGS. 2C and 3C  show, respectively, conventional mobile telephone form factor modular communication device  50  held in a user&#39;s hand and wrist watch modular communication device  60  worn on a user&#39;s wrist. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C, and  5 D show an information delivery module adapted to be worn as a necklace pendant  80 . Necklace pendant  80  includes puck  20  with a recess  82  formed in its side surface  44  to receive and lock in place an ornamental stem  84 . Stem  84  has a free end  86  in which an aperture  88  is formed and sized to receive a necklace  90 .  FIG. 5A  shows a telephone number appearing on display screen  22  of necklace pendant  80  to indicate the identity of the source of an incoming call to puck  20  configured to operate as a cellular telephone.  FIG. 5B  shows the rear side of puck  20  where the aperture of image camera  24  is located.  FIG. 5D  shows a clock face appearing on display screen  22  of necklace pendant  80  to represent one possible user selectable steady-state display pattern and source of time of day information. Withdrawing stem  84  from recess  82  enables installation of puck  20  in, for example, keypad  52  or wrist watch band  62  to enable a user to use puck  20  in a different mode in accordance with the keypad module selected. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  6 C,  6 D, and  6 E show a hand-held modular communication device  100  that includes a small-scale, full-function keyboard  102  having in its top side margin a centrally located arcuate cutout  104 , into which puck  20  can be inserted, and a set of keys  106 . In this embodiment, electrical contacts  78  on side surface  44  of puck  20  are positioned to align with electrical contacts  76  on open-ended inner side surface  74 . Full-function keyboard  102  is especially suited for use with puck  20  configured for use in response to two-hand user operation as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or text messaging module. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show a hand-held modular communication device  110  that includes a game pad module  112  having in its top side margin a centrally located arcuate cutout  114 , into which puck  20  can be inserted, and two sets of game control actuators  116  and  118 . Game control actuators  116  and  118  represent, respectively, joystick/navigation keys and gaming buttons. Communication device  110  is of similar construction to that of communication device  100  in that electrical contacts  78  on side surface  44  of puck  20  are positioned to align with electrical contacts  76  on open-ended inner side surface  74 . Placement of puck  20  in game pad module  112  and programming of puck  20  causes communication device  110  to operate in a gaming mode. Puck  20  can be programmed to perform other functions, such as receive cellular telephone calls, while operating in gaming mode. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a modular communication device  130  embodied as a vehicle dock input module  132  having in its top side margin a centrally located arcuate cutout  134  into which puck  20  can be inserted. Electrical contacts  78  on side surface  44  of puck  20  are positioned to align with electrical contacts  76  on open-ended inner side surface  74 . Vehicle dock input module  132  includes a keypad composed of keys  136  and a separate pickup/hangup button  138 , all of which are sufficiently large to accommodate easy activation and numeric entry by a user during vehicle operation. Vehicle dock input module  132  is equipped with a speaker  140  to permit hands-free operation upon initial placement or receipt of a telephone call. An articulating attachment arm  142  secured to the rear surface of vehicle dock input module  132  extends from and is fixed to a vehicle dashboard  144 , such as that of an automobile, to allow user positioning of communication device  130 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  9 C show a hand-held modular communication device  150  configured as a medallion that is sized to fit in the palm of a user&#39;s hand and secured by a strap  152  around the user&#39;s wrist. An annular information input module  154  includes distributed around its periphery  156  individual numeric keypads  158  that are readily accessible to a user. Annular information input module  114  has a central circular aperture  160  into which puck  20  can be inserted so that electrical contacts  78  on side surface  44  of puck  20  are positioned to align with electrical contacts  76  on open-ended inner side surface  74 . Modulator communication device  150  is especially suited for use as a cellular telephone. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E,  10 F,  10 G, and  10 H show a modular communication device  170  that folds to the shape of a wallet and includes a keypad and input module  172  having a circular aperture  174  into which puck  20  can be installed. Communication device  170  exhibits a display screen layout similar to that of  FIG. 2A  with puck  20  installed, but input module  172  is made of the same flexible, resilient electronic circuit board material as that of which wrist watch band  62  is made. Electrical contacts  78  on side surface  44  of puck  20  are positioned to align with electrical contacts  76  on inner side surface  74  of circular aperture  174 , as shown in  FIG. 10B .  FIG. 10D  shows display screen  22  of puck  20  and  FIG. 10E  shows image camera  24  of puck  20  on an inside surface  176  and an outside surface  178 , respectively, of modular communication device  170 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 10C  shows a curved direction arrow  180  indicating the folding direction of input module  172  to completely close inside surface  176  on itself and thereby cause modular communication device  170  to appear as shown in  FIGS. 10G and 10H .  FIG. 10G  shows a design pattern portion  182  of outside surface  178 , and  FIG. 10H  shows an image camera portion  184  of outside surface  178 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 11  is a partly exploded perspective view of a hand-held modular communication device  200  that includes an information input module  202  with a numerical keypad and a puck  204  equipped with a cellular telephone, a flash camera, and an audio speaker.  FIG. 11  is shown partly exploded to illustrate, with reference also to  FIGS. 12B and 12D  (described below), the matability of puck  204  with information input module  202 , which has a rectangular opening  209  that receives puck  204 . Information input module  202  and puck  204  are each of rectangular shape. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C, and  12 D show multiple views of puck  204  having a thin, rectangular body with generally planar opposite major surfaces. Puck  204  has near its top side margin  206  a cellular telephone antenna  208  and a Bluetooth short range radio link antenna  210 . Puck  204  has on its front surface  212  a touchscreen display surface  216  that is implemented with capacitive touch sensing technology, such as TouchPad™ capacitive technology of Synaptics Inc., Santa Clara, Calif. For aesthetic and functional reasons, display surface  216  preferably occupies as much as possible of the area of front surface  212  of puck  204 . Electronic circuitry, including signal control and processing circuitry and operational memory circuitry, contained within puck  204  enables cellular telephone operation in association with antenna  208  and an audio speaker  220  exposed in an opening in a back surface  222 , near top side margin  206  of puck  204 . A microphone  224  is placed at a bottom side margin  226  of puck  204 . Display surface  216  and audio speaker  220  located on opposite surfaces  212  and  222 , respectively, of puck  204  promote the cleanliness of display surface  216 . Such placement of display surface  216  and audio speaker  220 , as compared with a side-by-side arrangement of them along either front surface  212  or back surface  222 , affords a reduction in overall length or width of puck  204 . Reducing the length or width of puck  204  makes it more compact and thereby facilitates coverage by display surface  216  of as much as possible the area of front surface  212  of puck  204 . The electronic circuitry of puck  204  provides operational function actuation areas on touchscreen display surface  216 . The electronic circuitry is also capable of providing a keypad image on touchscreen display surface  216  to enable separate cellular telephone use from information input module  202 , if desired. Puck  204  holds a SIM memory card  228  for storing telephone numbers and personal settings and a vibrating alarm  230  functioning as a silent telephone ringing device. SIM memory card  228  is positioned behind a battery  232  and is user-accessible from outside of puck  204  through a slot  229  in bottom side margin  226 , and vibrating alarm  230  is positioned near top side margin  206 . The presence of Bluetooth radio link antenna  210  enables use of a remote, user-worn microphone. 
         [0045]    To accommodate placement in information input modules configured with different communication signal device locations, puck  204  is equipped with two sets of redundant, simultaneously operating infrared (IR) communication emitters and detectors, one of which sets associated with an IR link window  234  located in bottom side margin  226  of puck  204  and the other of which sets associated with an IR link window  236  in back surface  222  of puck  204 . The redundant IR links ensure compatible communication links between puck  204  and different information input modules, because the shape and style of each of them can necessitate placement of the communication link window of an information input module in one of multiple established locations. In the case of information input module  202  of  FIG. 11 , IR link window  234  of puck  204  is spatially aligned with its corresponding IR link window in a bottom side wall  237  of opening  209  in information input module  202 . In the case of an information input module that is configured to mate with puck  204  but leave open its bottom side margin  226 , IR link window  236  on back surface  222  provides the communication link. Examples of a puck module in which a back surface IR link window would be spatially aligned with an IR link window on a flat surface region of an information input module include a jewelry piece and a wallet of the types shown in  FIGS. 5A and 10A , respectively. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 12B and 12D  show shallow grooves  238  extending along the lengths of and located generally centrally in top side margin  206  and bottom side margin  226  of puck  204 . Each of the grooves  238  supports on its bottom surface a linear electrical conductor. The electrical conductors supported in the two grooves  238  of each puck  204  preferably function as positive and negative electrodes for delivery of electrical power to puck  204 . Electrical power is delivered to puck  204  by electrically conductive rods  240  (only one shown) fitted along opposite side walls  237  and  242  of opening  209  in information input module  202 . Rods  240  are positioned on side walls  237  and  242  of opening  209  to provide a positive, releasable snap fit into their corresponding grooves  238  of puck  204  when it is mated with information input module  202 . In this configuration, information input module  202  functions as a battery charger or a conduit for charging current for battery  232  in puck  204 . Rods  240  may also be adapted to function as an alternative data and control communication link between puck  204  and information input module  202 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 12C  shows a camera  246  and its associated flash assembly  248  housed in locations for operation through corresponding openings in back surface  222  of puck  204 . 
         [0048]    A recessed on-off button  250  in puck  204  makes it compatible with the matable connection in opening  209  of information input module  202 . Information input module  202  has a floor  252  with an opening  254  for one or both of passage of sound emissions from audio speaker  220  and image acquisition by camera  246  and its associated flash assembly  248 . Skilled persons will appreciate that pod  204  can perform certain functions separately from information input module  202 . For example, if puck  204  is programmed such that touchscreen display surface  216  presents an operational dial touchpad, certain mobile telephone functions can be performed by puck  204  apart from information input device  202 . There are many possible operational functions and design configurations, as indicated by the exemplary embodiments described. 
         [0049]    Bluetooth radio link antenna  210  also enables implementation of a loss prevention feature in puck  204 . The electronic circuitry of puck  204  transmits a continuous signal that is received by a Bluetooth radio link enabled key-fob  260  attached to a user&#39;s keychain, purse, pocket, or other personal item.  FIG. 13  is a simplified block diagram of key-fob  260 , which is a battery-operated device equipped with one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)  262 , functioning as a visual indicator, and an audible alarm. Electrical circuitry  264  allows a user to turn on or off electrical power to key-fob  260 , adjust a distance control  266  to select the strength of the Bluetooth signal to correspond to a set threshold distance from puck  204 , and adjust a volume control  268  to select the audible tone volume. Whenever the distance between key-fob  260  and puck  204  (either alone or mated with information input module  202 ) exceeds the user-set threshold distance, key-fob  260  generates one or both of an audible tone with the alarm or a visual signal with LEDs  262 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  is a partly exploded perspective view of a hand-held modular communication device  270  that includes an information input module  272  with an alphanumeric keypad and puck  204  programmed to operate as a PDA. Information input module  272  has its opening  209  sized to receive puck  204  by a snap fit into grooves  238  and deliver electrical power to puck  204  by electrically conductive rods  240 . To accommodate placement in information input modules of different sizes and shapes, the electronic circuitry of puck  204  is implemented with image display control including image rotation to provide portrait or landscape image presentation. Such image rotation enables puck  204  to display information with its longer dimension in the vertical direction (e.g.,  FIG. 11 ) and with its longer dimension in the horizontal direction (e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), as dictated by nominal usage of the information input module with which puck  204  is mated. A signal delivered from the IR link window in bottom side wall  237  of information input module  272  to IR link window  234  of puck  204  provides an image rotation command that sets the image orientation. 
         [0051]      FIG. 15  is a partly exploded perspective view of a hand-held modular communication device  280  that functions as a multi-purpose audio player. Audio player  280  includes an information input module  282  that is adapted to receive a puck  284  of the same size and shape as that of puck  204  with a touchscreen display surface  286  and configured to operate as a mobile telephone or a music player. Information input module  282  has its opening  209  sized to receive puck  284  by a snap fit into grooves  238  and deliver electrical power to puck  284  by electrically conductive rods  240 . Puck  284  includes electronic circuitry producing audio signals that are transmitted through a suitable communication link to information input module  282 , which houses audio speakers  288 . A user touches touchscreen display surface  286  for music selection and actuation of other user-performed operational controls. Information input module  282  includes certain user-controlled command inputs, such as, for example, an electrical power switch  290 , a volume control  292 , and a digital touchpad  294  to enable operation of communication device  280  as a speaker phone. 
         [0052]      FIG. 16  is a partly exploded perspective view of a hand-held modular communication device  300  that functions as an image camera with acquired image transmission capability. Image camera device  300  includes an information input module  302  that is adapted to receive a puck  304  of the same length and width dimensions as those of puck  204 . Information input module  302  has fitted to its back surface  306  a lens assembly  308 , and puck  304  is configured to operate as a digital camera presenting on its display surface  310  an image to be acquired and stored. Information input module  302  has its opening  209  sized to receive puck  304  by a snap fit into grooves  238  and deliver electrical power to puck  304  by electrically conductive rods  240  as described above. Information input module  302  includes certain user-controlled command inputs, such as, for example, an electrical power switch  312 , camera shutter actuator  314 , and lens adjustment control  316 . IR link window  234  of puck  304  is spatially aligned with a corresponding IR link window of information input module  302  to deliver the user-controlled commands to puck  304  and deliver the acquired image data to information input module  302  for storage or transmission elsewhere. 
         [0053]      FIG. 18A  is a partly exploded perspective view of puck  204  and an accent cover  330  made of fabric or other material to illustrate another opportunity to customize the appearance of puck  204 , when it is used separately from an information input module. Accent cover  330  is in the form of a shallow, open-top container in which puck  204  is inserted with its four side margins and back surface  222  covered, except for an opening  332  for passage of sound emissions from audio speaker  220  and image acquisition by camera  246  and its associated flash assembly  248 .  FIG. 18B  shows accent cover  330  fitted with a loop  334  that receives a cord  336  a user can place around his or her neck to wear pod  204  as a custom-styled fashion accessory. 
         [0054]      FIG. 17  is a partly exploded perspective view of a modular communication device  320  in which puck  204  configured to function as described with reference to  FIG. 11  is mated with an ultra-thin information input module  322  in the form of a keypad. Ultra-thin keypad  322  can be made of transparent, translucent, or opaque material to customize its appearance. Although it is about one-half the thickness of puck  204 , ultra-thin keypad  322  has its opening  209  sized to receive puck  204  by a snap fit into grooves  238  and deliver electrical power to puck  204  by electrically conductive rods  240 . There is no floor closing the bottom portion of opening  209 . Keypad  322  holds puck  204  such that its front surface  212  and back surface  222  extend beyond the major surfaces of keypad  322  to provide user access to the functions on both the front and back of puck  204 . 
         [0055]    Embodiments of the information delivery module could be equipped with voice recognition capability to respond to voice commands, enable hands-free communication, or both. Embodiments of the information input module may contain additional power supply and processing circuitry to enable the modular communication device to perform or function in a desired manner. Moreover, providing additional simulation circuitry in the information input module could enable it to perform multiple task modes (e.g., game mode and text messaging mode). 
         [0056]    The visual appearances of the various, indefinite number of possible embodiments of the modular multi-function device or POD humanize the interaction between technology and the user. By recognizing that mobile telephones and other portable communication devices are increasingly influenced by fashion trends, applicant created POD modules in a range of shape, color, material, and finish choices that allow users to express their individual styles and fit into users&#39; everyday environments. POD adapts to a user&#39;s lifestyle rather than requiring the user to adapt to the limitations or unappealing look of technology. The modular design approach creates a recognizable look and a trademark, while accommodating the user&#39;s desire for customization. 
         [0057]    In a world in which face-to-face human interactions are being increasingly replaced by technology, a modular multi-function communication device that enables an inviting, compelling, and personal experience can make a profound difference in the user&#39;s everyday life. POD achieves exactly that profound difference. Unlike mobile telephones that confine the customer to one look, limited configurations, and finite functionality, the customizability of POD allows optimum personalization, configuration, and functionality for different users and use scenarios. A user can take his or her POD anywhere—from gym, to fancy dress party, to home, to office—and have it fit into each environment with ease. By combining in one device all the user&#39;s technological needs, including telephone, PDA, camera, music files, clock, and games, POD simplifies the vast realm of technology options used in everyday life with one consistent interface. At the same time, POD becomes wearable technology that enables a user to make a unique fashion statement and express personal style. 
         [0058]    The POD design solution is more versatile and much less expensive than any other currently available customization solution, resulting in an affordable, multi-function mobile telephone or other communication device that precisely fits the individual user&#39;s needs, desires, and aesthetic sensibilities. 
         [0059]    It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7