GB2420195A - Wearable multifunctional modular computing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile electronic device comprises a base unit adapted to be worn about a user's body, for example having the form of a belt, the base unit including at least a central processor, a common display means, a common power source and a plurality of modular ports for the selective insertion of additional modular devices, having a communication link between them. A headset, with an ear mounted speaker and boom microphone, is used to communicate with the central processor of the base unit. Mobile telephone communication could be provided in conjunction with a frequency selective amplifier to assist the hearing impaired. Also, user input could be provided by means of a detachable keyboard, a detachable touch screen display and voice recognition. The additional devices could also be personal organisers, personal recording devices, cameras or additional memory, power sources, batteries or processing capacity.

Description

Multifunctional Electronic Device The invention relates to a

multifunctional electronic device including at least a viewable screen and audio headset, in particular at least providing for audio telephone communications, and in particular being adapted to assist the hearing impaired.

Mobile communication devices, in particular audio mobile communication devices such as cellular telephones, but increasingly also devices incorporating a video communication capability, are widespread. Devices typically include a handset incorporating a power source, an alphanumeric input, suitable electronics to operate the phone function, a transceiver aerial, and an integral or external speaker to broadcast sound, and where applicable a screen for visual display.

A couple of particular problems are known in relation to conventional mobile telephone designs. First, the devices are not generally compatible for use by the hearing impaired. As populations age, this becomes a particular issue, with as many as 20 - 30 % having a degree of hearing impairment in older age groups which might manifest itself in a general reduction in receptiveness to sound, a reduced ability to discriminate primary from background sound, a reduced ability to achieve directional location etc. This is normally corrected by the wearing of a hearing aid within or on the ear. Conventional mobile technology is not generally compatible with the use of such a hearing aid.

Second, there is an increasing awareness of the danger of using a conventional, hand-held mobile telephone device in certain circumstances, in particular for example whilst driving. Various devices which can be used without requiring the operator's hands andlor without requiring the operator to divert attention from the task in hand have been proposed, but these often involve adaptations to the telephone and/or additional external equipment, which is not always convenient.

Although the invention is in particular suited to use with portable communication devices, portable electronic devices in general have been a significant growth area within the last twenty years or so. Devices have become widespread which include the provision of personal audio, the provision of personal video, electronic personal organisation, portable computing, portable electronic gaming, portable audio recording and the like.

A user might have several such devices at once to serve a variety of business or leisure purposes.

This raises compatibility issues, and recent developments have gone to great lengths to improve communication between devices having different formats, with standards being developed for wired and wireless links between such devices to allow for data sharing, downloading and the like. It also raises significant redundancy issues. A user who is carrying several devices may also end up carrying several keyboards, several video displays, several audio speakers, and at the very least almost certainly several power sources. This is inefficient. The provision of adequate power is in particular the biggest limitation on miniaturisation of portable hand-held electronic devices and is likely to be one of the biggest contributors to their weight. Although battery technology has made significant advances since portable devices became widespread, there is a limit to the power which can effectively be provided in a suitably miniaturised form. This can limit the capability and/or battery life that can effectively be offered for more power-hungry devices such as mobile computers, complex gaming apparatus, telephones with a video capability and the like.

It is an object of the invention to provide a multifunctional mobile electronic device which mitigates some or all of the above disadvantages, in particular in relation to redundancy.

it is a particular object of the invention to provide a multifunctional electronic mobile communication device, including at least an audio and optionally video mobile communications capability and a plurality of other capabilities in a single unit.

It is a particular object of the present invention to be adapted for use by the hearing impaired, so as to improve the accessibility of mobile electronic technology to the hearing impaired.

Thus, in accordance with the invention in a first aspect there is provided a mobile electronic device comprising a base unit adapted to be worn about a user's body, for example by incorporating a flexible elongate support web adapted to be worn about a user, for example being formed as a belt, the base unit including at least a central processor, display means, a plurality of modular ports for the selective insertion of additional modular electronic devices, and a power source, and providing a data communication link therebetween; and a headset in data communication link with the central processor of the base unit, the headset comprising at least an ear mounted speaker and a boom microphone.

The device thus comprises a common power source, a common main processor, a common headset, a common display means, and preferably also includes a common input means. This might be in the form of a keyboard, a touch screen facility on a screen display means, through voice recognition via the microphone or by any other suitable means.

The device in accordance with the invention is thus in essence a portable computer in which the heavier common components are worn by the user, but which provides for multiply additional functionality via optionally attachable modules which are usually similarly worn, and which make one of the core components. The additional functionality may be provided by simple chip- on- board modules allowing the full range of currently available portable electronic devices to be integrated in a single system. This modular arrangement enables efficient use of the common power source and other common aspects significantly reducing redundancy and allows for greater functionality compared with separate systems.

The modular nature of the system also gives a significant degree of flexibility.

Modules may be purchased by a user to relate only to the functions that the user wishes to take advantage of. Once the basis unit has been purchased (comprising the common computing and power source plus screen and input, and in practice at least one functional module) each additional electronic module could be purchased individually, be replaced with a higher specification electronic module, or disposed of if no longer required. As electronic items have a relatively short life span due to developments in the technology and changes in specification, this will give a capability to adapt the system very rapidly. Equally, when an upgrade to the common central processor becomes necessary, it will only be necessary to replace the base unit. Optionally, the central processor could also be composed as a removable module or modules.

The modular nature of the electronic modules would mean that a user only need purchase those modules which they find useful for their own lifestyle or those they could afford, and would confer great flexibility on the system. The unit is unique in that it comprises a new type of electronic device, essentially a wearable computer with a number of additionally functional components not now available in one unit.

Each module is envisaged to comprise at least an attachment portion providing for physical and communications attachment to a module port within the base unit, and a functional portion incorporating a functional unit. Where the module is intended to give a new functionality to the system, this functional unit comprises at least a programming unit, for example composed as a chip, programmed to act co-operably with the central processor to provide the intended function. For example, the programming unit may comprise a standard mobile telephone chip to give a mobile telephone function. Each module may optionally include additional hardware in a hardware portion, which may for example be detachable from the connecting part.

It is envisaged that the system will be purchased with at least one module to provide at least one specific function. In particular, this first module comprises a programming unit capable of co-operating with the central processor to provide a mobile communications function, being for example a mobile telephony chip. The system, either as part of the first module or otherwise, includes suitable transceiver means, for example a cellular telephone transceiver, to allow for at least audio transmission and receipt via the headset. The system therefore comprises in its most basic form a multifunctional electronic mobile communications system. Other chips can be purchased to give additional functionality.

Preferably, the system includes a module having a sound amplification function, in particular comprising a frequency selective amplifier acting on the audio signal to be generated by the speaker to selectively modulate the sound generated thereat and assist the hard of hearing. In the alternative, a frequency selective amplifier may be integrated into the device, for example as a part of the ear mounted speaker.

Preferably, means are provided to adjust amplification settings to personalise the frequency selective amplification. In particular for example these means are accessed via the input means and central processor on the base unit. This allows an individual user to adjust the hearing aid element of the device to suit the user's particular needs. Preferably a memory register allows storage of this user setting. The means preferable provide for the storage of a plurality of different setting for different envisaged uses, for example allowing different setting for directly received speech, speech received by the telephone function, music etc. In a particular embodiment, a system is provided including at least a mobile telephony module and at least a selective frequency amplification module.

The device when assembled is thus a portable computer with mobile communications device providing at least an audio communication means, for example via cellular telephony, which is specifically adapted for use by the hearing impaired.

A hearing impaired user can make use of the boom microphone, in particular in conjunction with the frequency selective amplifier, to give a hearing aid function. Preferably, the boom microphone is a directional microphone, and is mounted on a directionally adjustable boom. This would allow the microphone for example to be moved to a first position to be most suitable for speaking, and to a second position to be most suitable for receiving sound from the user's immediate environment in performing the hearing aid function. The directionality of the microphone would also assist in focusing the users concentration more effectively in the direction of a person with whom the user was communicating.

Other electronic module conferring additional functionality on the device could include modules to give a function as a personal organiser, as a palm- top, as a portable voice recording device, as a still or video camera, to provide mobile personal music or video, or any other similar function. In some instances, for example in relation to mobile personal audio or video, the modules may merely require the necessary chip comprising suitable programming and memory registers and will then be able to make use of all of the common hardware features of the base unit and headset. In other instances, a module may include additional hardware, for example an imaging system such as a digital camera where the module is designed to provide a camera function. Suitable transmitters and/or receivers may be provided for any desired audio/video or other communications function.

Additional modules may also be envisaged which do not in themselves confer an additional functionality, but which improve the effectiveness of the device, for example modules comprising additional memory registers, additional processing capacity, additional power sources or the like.

One or more of the aforementioned modules could be integrated into the device, for example as a non-removable part of base unit, without departure from the fundamental principles of the invention, as long as at least some capacity for detachable modules is provided. It is possible for example to envisage that the mobile audio communication function is so fundamental to all envisaged uses that it could be so integrated. A product may additionally or alternatively be sold with a selective amplification function for the hearing impaired so integrated. However, the invention is at its most flexible if at least most of the additional functional units are provided as detachable modules.

A basic component of the invention is the display means which is provided with the base unit. This may be provided integral to the belt web, but is more preferably detachably mounted thereon. It can be hand held, but can be made much lighter than a conventional hand held unit with a screen, especially if wired, since it would need no power source or other hardware devices, these being either integrated with or provided as modules on the base unit. The display means conveniently comprises a conventional display screen, for example a liquid crystal display screen. The precise display arrangement is not however critical to the invention, and a display means could for example be incorporated into external clothing, or mounted above and in front of an eye on a boom or in glasses or the like as a heads up display.

Data communication links are provided between the base unit and headset, and within the base unit between modules attached thereon, the central processor, the display and input means. These data communication links may be of any suitable wired or wireless form and are not critical to the invention. In a preferred embodiment data communications within the base unit are conveniently wired, but links from the base unit to the headset may more conveniently be wireless. If the latter, the headset must have an independent power source.

The headset comprises at least one ear mounted speaker, comprising a speaker and ear mounting means to locate the speaker in or on a user's ear, and a boom microphone which is preferably directional and preferably mounted on an adjustable and for example pivotal boom. The speaker may comprise a small speaker unit to be worn inside the ear, or a larger unit to be worn on or about the ear, and may incorporate a sound insulating portion adapted to surroundingly engage over the ear to provide an ear defending function. A second speaker may be provided as part of the headset or separately, to be worn in or on the second ear, which may have the same form or different form to the first. One or more of the functions outlined above may be integrated into the headset rather than integrated into the base unit and/or provided as modules. For example, the headset may include an integrated amplifier and in particular a frequency selective amplifier for the hearing impaired.

The headset may also include simple input and/or display means, in particular to serve as secondary input and/or display means to provide an additional function to the primary input and/or display means. For example, it is ciivisaged that when the headset is in use as a hands free mobile telephony unit a simple button may be provided on the head set to allow a call to be answered.

Input means are preferably provided, for example in association with the base unit, and conveniently in the form of an alphanumeric keyboard. The keyboard may be provided in association with the base unit, and in particular in association with the display, for example being detachable from the belt either integrally with or separately from the display. The keyboard may be a separate real unit, or may be composed as a virtual keyboard on the display via a touch screen arrangement. Additionally or alternatively an input facility may be provided via voice recognition through the microphone.

The base unit preferably includes communication ports and devices to allow it to be linked to other systems, for example wired ports such as USB ports, and wireless equivalents.

The power source conveniently comprises one or more batteries, especially rechargeable, and the base unit conveniently includes charging means which might for example include means to connect the unit to the mains to recharge a rechargeable battery or batteries, solar charging means, pedicharging means or the like.

In a further aspect of the invention, a multifunctional electronic system comprises a device as above described provided with a plurality of optionally detachable modules as above described to supply a plurality of selectable additional functions to the device. In particular the system includes, either in the form of detachable module or integrally a mobile communications function with at least an audio and optionally also a video capacity, and is a mobile communication system.

The base unit is wearable and is preferably composed as a belt. The belt could be available in a number of patterns and colours and the colours/patterns could be changed to enable users to adapt to the unit to match desires, fashions and trends. The base unit andlor modules thereof may also include hard casing, in which case again covers could be provided to vary colour and appearance.

A system in accordance with the invention thus provides a flexible communications and entertainment unit with a range of electronic modules having different features which may be optionally purchased and used as desired. The common operating system for all electronic modules would eliminate the confusion of various existing systems, and would eliminate ii redundancy in components such as power sources and keyboards. The system is readily adaptable to, and in preferred embodiments specifically adapted for, hearing impaired people. These are now a significant percentage of the population and represent a market ill-served at the present time by mobile communication devices. The belt-worn nature of the unit would also improve security, since such a unit would be less easily lost or stolen than small hand held devices. Battery life problems would be much reduced.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, in which: linebreak Figures 1 and 2 represent two alternative base unit arrangements; Figures 3 shows a headset.

In the first alternative arrangement of base units, in Figure 1, a waist mounted unit is shown with electronic modules (EM) (2) housed in receiving pockets (3) along the length of a belt (1) like a "string of beads." EMs would not be fitted at the back of the belt, as this could produce discomfort when sitting in a chair/car seat etc, though batteries could be fitted there (4). The belt is fixed by buckle (8). Each EM is attached along the belt and links via a flexible "bus bar" running the full length of the belt to a central processing module (6). This provides a further move towards a "wearable" computer. The screen and keyboard are one or two separate units, optionally (as in the example) in a holster (9). They are detachable for ease of viewing I use, either connected to the base by cable or, more probably, with a wireless connection. In the preferred embodiment shown, a combined screen/keyboard unit (10) flips open in a "clamshell" manner about a hinged portion (11) as is now fashionable, with the screen on one half of the shell and the keyboard on the other.

In the second alternative, in Figure 2, the unit (21) is provided in a robust casing in two halves (21a, b), approximately 15cm long, 7cm wide and 3cm deep. The unit splits in two about a hinged portion (22), so each half is approximately 15cm long, 7cm wide and 1.5cm deep.

The inner half (21a) contains a number of electronic modules (EM) (24), which clip into the inner half, making electrical connections to a common "bus" bar which runs the full length of the unit. This half of the unit can contain any number from one EM to sixleight, depending on the width of each EM and how many separate functions the customer wants to pay for.

This half of the unit also contains a power source in the form of battery (or batteries), which is or are rechargeable. It is attached to the waist by a belt (25) in a holster (26) (various colours available,) or provided with means to attach to a man's existing belt. It is thus secure and not easily lost/stolen.

The outer half of the unit (2 ib), which pivots along a full-length 15 cm hinge (22cm), contains a screen (28) and keyboard (22). The keyboard is composed of letter and number keys, plus direction keys and a trackball. At higher cost, the outer half could be detachable from the base unit, connected by a Bluetooth or similar wireless connection system. It could also have to have its own rechargeable battery supply.

For in car use, means could be provided to attach a unit to the car electrical system to maintain battery life through a connector to the cigarette lighter socket. Kept on a belt, the unit would be a hands free telephone and legal to usc, where ordinary mobile telephones are increasingly legislated against as they take thc motorist's hands off the steering wheel.

The keyboard could be expandable so both hands could be used on a fuller width keyboard. The keyboard could be adapted to suit different operators and niarkets, for instance with larger keys suitable for elderly persons with poor vision or with different language keypad.

The screen could be touch sensitive to eliminate the keyboard altogether with relevant software in the computer module.

Each of the EMs could be operated independently of the others but more than one could work together. Each of the EMs might fulfil one or more electronic functions. Each of the EMs could fulfil at least one of the following functions.

Suggested EMs include: * Hearing aid (analogue for lowest cost, digital for improved functionality and adjustability at higher cost.) * Telephone (simple connection for lowest cost, improved functions at higher cost.) The telephone aerial would be fitted into and be part of the base unit but would connect to an in car aerial/electrical connector when mobile to boost reception and to maintain battery life while mobile.

* EMP3 player * Voice recorder * Mini disc player * FM Radio receiver (analogue for lowest cost, digital for higher fidelity at higher cost.) The radio aerial would be fitted into and be part of the base unit but would connect to an in car aerial/electrical connector when mobile to boost reception and to maintain battery life while mobile.

* Computer with internet capability through telephone * Digital still/video camera (if this was chosen a new earphone with lens would have to be purchased also.) A solid state memory "stick" would be detachable from the camera module to enable photographs to be stored and transferredldownloaded elsewhere. It could be replaced by a spare one to increase photographic capacity.

* Satellite navigation system * Satellite telephone * Panic Alarm for the elderly to connect them to a civilian control centre * Other electronic items such as police or other emergency service radio (available only to bone fide organisations,) * Such other electronic items as exist or may be developed in the future which are or would be desirably mobile.

Each of the above EMs is now, or will be, available separately as specific items. Though many mobile telephones do now offer limited internet access and FM radio players / camera in one unit, battery life is very limited as functions are added.

Since each EM would link to the common screen, through the computer, each function could be accessed independently and altered as required. Each EM would show up on the screen with a suitable icon and could be chosen by the user either by the keyboard or touch sensitive screen.

In the case of the hearing aid EM, extra electronic connections would be added to the hearing aid electronics to allow the hearing aid functions to be amended via the screen display and keyboardltrackball/touch screen.

The base unit is connected to the user by a headset linked to the base unit by a robust, high quality armoured fibre optic cable or similar. The headset connection could also be wireless.

An example headset (31) is shown in Figure 3, being worn by a user (32). In the example headset, a single earphone is provided, but a pair of earphones could be provided. The earphone body (31) is hooked over the ear by the looped portion (34). The earphone has a small "boom" microphone (36) which gives the user the ability to speak into the computer/telephone etc. Any cable connection would need to be constructed so that the cable itself did not act as an aerial and increase/channel the telephone's microwave or other radiation into the user's ear(s)/brain.

The earphone has a forward facing directional microphone on the "boom", plus sideward facing and rearward facing microphones to pick up side and rearward audio input. A second earphone (which is optional and not shown in the example) is envisaged mainly as a speaker and would only have the side microphone. It gains its forward and rear microphone and other inputs from a link with the other, primary, earphone.

Where multiple microphones are [provided, on one or two earphone sites, each of the microphones on the earphones is individually adjustable for volume and gain at high and low frequencies and to selectively improve or reduce gain from particular microphones. This facility of changing the input volumes could be useful for persons who are hard of hearing who might be travelling home in the evening hours and who wanted, for example, to hear anyone coming up behind them.

On the other hand, improving the gain (high or low frequency) from the "boom" microphone and reducing gains on the other microphone (where present) would help many hard of hearing persons who have difficulty discriminating between voices when in a crowd. By turning their head and therefore pointing the "boom" at specific people, they could hear what was being said by that person without losing that specific voice in the ambient noise.

It is a common and very frustrating problem for people who are hard of hearing to lose a specific person's voice in an area of high ambient noise, such as at a social or business gathering. It is also frustrating for the person they are speaking with, who may think the hard of hearing person is disinterested in what they are saying.

This facility of selectively changing the sensitivity of multiple microphone inputs should also assist when viewing television programmes, plays and other entertainments.

Tn addition, as the speaker could be larger than normally available in hearing aids, the quality of the sound should be much better and of higher fidelity than hearing impaired people now normally enjoy.

If a pair of earphones was provided, the primary earphone would normally be fitted to the ear with the poorest hearing (if applicable) but each earphone would be adjustable to increase or decrease volume individually and adjustable for increasing or decreasing the low/high frequency sound waves.

For radio/EMP3 player/mini disc etc, the earphones would provide full stereo effect, but the music or other input from the EMs would be interruptible by the telephone ringing (by a user pre-determined tone or a voice message) advising the uscr that the telephone was ringing or that a message or an email had been received.

The primary earphone could also be fitted (at higher cost) with a small camera lens (33), which would be adapted to link in with the digital camera EM, if this was purchased. Images from the digital camera could be sent via the telephone connection, if desired (or stored in a solid state, detachable, storage device.) This facility of sending images could be of benefit to, for example, the police, who could transmit images of a suspect they were questioning at the roadside, or the immediate crime scene/road accident to their control. This should speed up investigationsand provide valuable immediate evidence as well as adding to the health and safety of the officer by transmitting the image of an attacker or other threat to a control centre. The stored images would form part of the investigation record with relevant date/time injection into the images.

For most people, of course, the camera would just be a way of taking photographs. The earphone with lens would also have small buttons to activate the camera facilities. Since the camera lens would face forward, in line with the eye, the camera would take pictures in the direction the head of the wearer was turned. Pictures taken could be viewed on screen in the same way that existing digital cameras operate. A flash or infra red lighting system might have to be incorporated for low ambient light conditions.

For persons with very poor hearing, the inner part of the earphone could be shaped to fit their ear canal more closely, moulded by a trained hearing aid technician. It is envisaged that such fitted earphones would be washable rather than replaceable. The fitted earphones would be available only through approved hearing aid centres.

The base unit envisaged is unique in that it is modular.

This modular approach is now used by computer sellers who offer customers a variety of processors and other components, each fitted into the basic "box." Extending this concept in the manner of the invention provides a new type of electronic machine, a wearable computer with a number of components not now available in one unit.

A further unique advantage of the unit is that since it is a belt (or belt mounted) it is less likely to be lost/stolen. Theft of mobile phones is a major problem in some countries but the belt unit could even have a buckle incorporating a combination lock and be worn inside clothing, making theft or loss highly unlikely by comparison with other hand held telephones or EMP3 players etc. The base unit would be constructed of a durable material in a neutral "metallic" colour, but additional covers would be available, at increased cost, for those who wanted to personalise their units, as people do now for mobile telephones. Similarly, outer earphone covers may be provided which would be changeable to allow personalisation and the inner covers replaceable to maintain ear hygiene. The belt itself would have some adjustments for fit.

If voice recognition software was incorporated it may be possible to dispense with the screen / keyboard entirely.

A problem which is very current with all electronic devices is the complexity of the user interface. With current electronic items, whether hand held or not, different operating systems have to be learned for each one. Many people now find it difficult to use electronic items, are frightened of them or never use all the features inherent in the item. With a unit in accordance with the invention, it could be envisaged that each of the EMs would be designed to be operated by a similar system. This would make the user's learning curve much less steep, and make the unit more attractive to less technophilic customers.

A belt mounted unit would allow a larger battery unit or units, alleviating the existing and developing problem of lack of battery duration due to the need to reduce battery size to fit into existing portable electronic items and the increasing functionality and power requirements of these items.

Battery life would be very relevant to the use of the unit, as with all modern electronic items but, with a belt pack, a larger, high capacity battery unit could be incorporated, or a number of batteries could be incorporated into the belt.

The system would readily be adaptable for use with such other power sources as might be or become available.

Claims (14)

1. A mobile electronic device comprising a base unit adapted to be worn about a user's body, the base unit including at least a central processor, a common display means, a plurality of modular ports for the selective insertion of additional modular electronic devices, and a common power source, and providing a data communication link therebetween; and a headset in data communication link with the central processor of the base unit, the headset comprising at least an ear mounted speaker and a boom microphone.

2. A mobile electronic device in accordance with claim 1 incorporating a flexible elongate support web adapted to be worn about a user, for example being formed as a belt.

3. A mobile electronic device in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a common input means selected from one or more of a keyboard, a touch screen facility on a screen display means, voice recognition via the microphone.

4. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the central processor is also composed as a removable module or modules.

5. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim wherein each module comprises at least an attachment portion providing for physical and communications attachment to a module port within the base unit, and a functional portion incorporating a functional unit, this functional unit comprising at least a programming unit, for example composed as a chip, programmed to act co-operably with the central processor to provide the intended function.

6. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim including at least one first module comprising a programming unit capable of co-operating with the central processor to provide a mobile communications function, the module being a mobile telephony chip.

7. A mobile electronic communications device in accordance with claim 6 including suitable transceiver means, for example a cellular telephone transceiver, to allow for at least audio transmission and receipt via the headset.

8. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim including a frequency selective amplifier acting on the audio signal to be generated by the speaker to selectively modulate the sound generated thereat and assist the hard of hearing.

9. A mobile electronic hearing assistance device in accordance claim 8 further comprising means to adjust amplification settings to personalise the frequency selective amplification to suit a user's particular needs, and a memory register to allow storage of a plurality of different such user settings, for different envisaged uses.

10. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the boom microphone is a directional microphone, and is mounted on a directionally adjustable boom.

11. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim further comprising modules to provide additional functionality for one or more of: a mobile communications function, a frequency selective amplification! hearing aid function, a function as a personal organiser, as a palm-top, as a portable voice recording device, as a still or video camera, to provide mobile personal music or video, or any other similar function; and! or one or more which do not in themselves confer an additional functionality, but which improve the effectiveness of the device, for example modules comprising additional memory registers, additional processing capacity, additional power sources or the like.

12. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the display means is detachably mounted upon the base unit.

13. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim wherein input means are provided in association with the base unit in the form of an alphanumeric keyboard.

14. A mobile electronic device in accordance with claim 13 wherein the keyboard is detachably mounted upon the base unit either integrally with or separately from a similarly detachable display.

1 5. A mobile electronic device in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the power source comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, and charging means therefor.

1 6. A niultifunctional electronic system comprising a device in accordance with any preceding claim provided with a plurality of optionally detachable modules in accordance with any preceding claim to supply a plurality of selectable additional functions to the device.

1 7. A mobile electronic device or system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.