Haphone, LLC

Mopad Modules

Mopad’s advantages derive in part from its basic modularization and in part from particular variations of its modules. Both the basic modularization and the major module variations are described below.

Mopad Modularization

Mopad divides personal audio devices into five modules: 1) audiocore – the core components of the device (radio receiver, CPU, memory, digital-audio converter, music decoder, etc.), 2) audio IO – microphone and speaker(s), 3) mount – physical and electrical support for the audiocore, 4) remote control(s) – visual display and manual controls, and 5) auxiliary modules – auxiliary batteries, auxiliary memory, etc.

The audiocore is the center of each Mopad. It takes the form of an almost featureless box with no display, no controls (other than an on/off/standby button), and no styling (styling is provided by the mount, which encloses the audiocore). Connection with other Mopad modules is made through an electrical connector at the base of the audiocore or though a local wireless (Bluetooth) connection. Typical audiocore dimensions and weight are: 3” x 1.5” x 0.45” and 2 ounces.

Audio IO usually takes the form of earphones, but can also take the form of headphones, handset or stationary microphone and speakers. Audio IO is typically integrated into or attached to the mount, thus allowing a direct connection to the audiocore. Audio IO can also be wireless connected to the audiocore.

Mounts are built around a receptacle for the audiocore. This receptacle supports quick insertion and removal of the audiocore while also providing a direct electrical connection to the audiocore. This electrical connection may be used by audio IO, auxiliary modules, etc. built into or connected to the mount.

Some mounts (necklace, necktie, string tie, vest, bra, backpack, armband) allow the user to wear the audiocore in some way . Other mounts (handset, desk phone, vehicular) allow the user to easily access the audiocore while not wearing it. Wearable mounts allow for varied and personalized stylization, and are expected to be manufactured by fashion and accessory companies – and hand-crafted by jewelers and artists.

Much of Mopad’s ability to adapt to different situations derives from the availability of varying mounts and the ability to move the audiocore quickly between them.

Remote controls provide the display and control functions for each Mopad configuration. As with mounts, the user can swap remote controls as the situation demands – though swapping is easier for remote controls since they are wirelessly connected to the rest of the configuration. Unlike mounts, more than one remote control can be included in the configuration at a time – thus allowing the user to use whichever remote is most convenient at the moment.

For many operations and occasions, the wrist remote will be the most convenient. This remote takes the place of the user’s wristwatch, providing a small display and a limited number of controls. Its primary advantage is its accessibility.

For small information applications (calendar, address book, task list, text messaging) a pocket remote provides a larger display and more controls than the wrist remote. This remote is the same width and height as current mobile phone handsets, but slimmer and lighter because it carries less electronics and requires less power.

With appropriate chips and software, PDAs, laptop computers, desktop computers, etc. can all be configured as Mopad remote controls. With such remotes built into the user’s environment, display and control for their Mopad system will always be readily available. E.g., a user working from a laptop would use their laptop as the remote; a user in a cafe might use their PDA or pocket remote; a user in a car might use a steering wheel mounted remote combined with audio announcement; and a running user would just use their wrist remote.

Much of Mopad’s flexibility, especially in adapting to varying levels of information applications, derives from the ability of the user to casually switch between remote controls.

Auxiliary modules are optional modules that provide functions such as extended power supply, storage for MP3’s and other specialized functions. Ideally all of these functions would be provided by the audiocore, and in time they likely will be. But with current levels of miniaturization, it is expected that auxiliary modules will be useful to provide these functions in the meantime. Auxiliary modules can take several forms, depending on their function and whether they’re connected by wire or wirelessly to the audiocore.

Necklace Configuration

Shown to the right is a string tie mount along with two variations: a necktie mount and a scarf mount.

The receptacle for the audiocore is located at the crosspiece, and wires built into the necklace connect it to earphones at the back of the user’s neck. The earphones may be spooled or dangle loosely over the shoulders – either way, they can be quickly moved to or removed from the user’s ears. Note that with this configuration, the user can use either a single earphone (monophonic for voice) or two earphones (stereophonic for music).

The scarf and necktie variations are basically dressed up versions of the string tie configuration. These mounts can be stylistically varied by changing the scarf or necktie swath, or by changing the faceplate covering the crosspiece. Note that unlike current mobile phones, the faceplate does not have to fit closely to the audiocore, and thus can be substantially varied in material, form and design.

Screening and control are provided through remote controls: typically a wrist remote plus some larger remote (pocket, PDA, etc.)

Vest/Shirt/Bra Configurations

Mount receptacles can also be added to vests, shirts and bras. With a connection to headphones or earphones, this provides an alternative to necklaces for wearing the audiocore on the upper body.

Athletic Configurations

The necklace mount and its variations are ill-suited to most sports, so other mounts are likely to be used instead.

For running, an armband mount with attached headphones should be comfortable. Alternatively, a vest (or for women, a sports bra) with the audiocore held in a pocket on the back between the shoulder blades should work well. For control and display, a wrist remote should be sufficient.

For swimming, a waterproof mount, worn between the shoulder blades combined with waterproof headphones, allows listening to music. Even phone calls can be handled, if the user is able to get out of the water or at least get their head out of the water!

Handset Configuration

While wearability provides great advantages in ease of access and use, many users on the go will wish to have their Mopad available, but not worn. This goal is easily achieved through the handset mount. This mount looks and acts like a regular mobile phone, but has its core functionality provided by the audiocore, which is plugged into a receptacle on the back of the mount.

Users who rarely use their mobile phones might prefer the unobtrusiveness of this configuration, but still occasionally need the convenience provided by a necklace, necktie or other worn configuration. Because of its flexibility, Mopad is able to meet the demands these light-use users as well as it meets the demands of heavy-use users.

Stationary Configuration

There are many times that phone users want their phones handy, but not on their person. After all, even the heaviest mobile phone user is unlikely to wear their phone to bed!

Mopad meets this need for off-person usage through a stationary mount. Like the handset mount, the stationary mount has a receptacle for the audiocore and provides built in controls, display and audio IO (through a speakerphone and/or a handset).

Recharging is also provided by the stationary mount. Because the user is likely to plug the audiocore into a stationary mount upon arriving home or when retiring for the night, recharging becomes automatic.

If the stationary mount is connected to remote phones, then it can be accessed while out of the room. E.g., with remotely connected phones throughout a house, a phone call might be placed or received in the living room, even though the audiocore is plugged into a stationary mount in the bedroom.

Automotive Configuration

Hands-free operation is important in automobiles for safety (and, consequently, legal) reasons. Since Mopad’s normal configuration (necklace mount + wrist remote) provides an excellent hands-free solution by itself, Mopad easily meets this need.

Additional functionality can be provided through built-in automotive components:

Remote Control: A Mopad remote control can be built into the vehicle. Such a remote control could be integrated into the stereo system display and/or mounted on the steering wheel.

Voice Announce and Control: To allow the driver to keep his eyes on the road at all times, a voice announcement and control system can be provided.

Audiocore Receptacle: A receptacle for the audiocore can be built into the vehicle. The receptacle would provide recharging of the audiocore, as well as an improved connection for remote controls and built-in audio IO (see below).

Built-In Audio IO: Rather than using the earphone and microphone worn by the user, audio IO could be built into the vehicle itself. (Note that if the audiocore is on the user’s person, a wireless connection would be used to transmit audio from the audiocore to the vehicle.)