Communication system and methods for enhanced information transfer

A communication device for transmitting and receiving information in a communication system having a plurality of communication networks comprising:

• a plurality of electrical circuits for communicating information including a processor and an associated memory for executing communication programs and applications with the electrical circuits;
• a plurality of application modules;
• a receptacle for installing a selected application module into the communication device;
• a microphone for entering information into the communication device;
• a speaker for transmitting information from the communication device;
• an interactive visual display for displaying selected information and for activating selected communication programs and applications;
• and
• a voice recognition circuit for activating selected communication programs and applications provided by the communication device in response to voice commands from an authorized user of the communication device.

A method for secure exchange of information within a communication system having a central facility, one or more communication networks and one or more communication devices with a plurality of electrical circuits for communicating information and the electrical circuits including a processor and an associated memory for executing communication programs and applications with the electrical circuits comprising the steps of:

• installing a application module having a memory unit containing a security program into a selected communication device;
• connecting the application module with the electrical circuits of the communication device;
• operating the communication device using the security program provided by the application module in cooperation with the electrical circuits of the communication device;
• entering information into the communication device from a microphone;
• and
• activating the secured communication program provided by the application module in response to information supplied from the microphone.

A multiple purpose communication system for exchanging information comprising:

• a communication device for transferring information using electromagnetic energy;
• the communication device having a plurality of microprocessors and associated electronic circuits;
• a microphone to receive information and a speaker to transmit information;
• an interactive visual display for entering information into the communication device;
• a plurality of application modules and a receptacle for selectively installing application modules into the communication device;
• and
• a security circuit for encryption and decryption of selected information included with one of the application modules.