Mobile communication apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A mobile communication apparatus for communicating with a network selectively utilizing a plurality of IC units connected to the apparatus, each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network, the apparatus comprising:
- a detector configured to detect each of the IC units connected to the apparatus;
an activator configured to activate at least one of the detected IC units for communication with the network; and
a controller configured to inform the network of data in the activated IC unit(s).
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mobile communication apparatus is able to receive plural IC (e.g., USIM) cards and suitably control an operation of the apparatus using a selected one of the received IC cards. The mobile communication apparatus has plural sockets able to mount the plural USIM cards; the mounting of USIM cards in the sockets is detected. Activation of the USIM cards can be performed based upon this detection. After activation, position register information can be read from the activated USIM card(s) and location registry of the mobile communication apparatus with the network can be performed. Selection of an activated USIM card for establishing a communication link with the network may be carried out based upon various factors, including the time of use, a home location of the apparatus and information broadcast by a mobile network. As one advantage of the invention, it is possible to decrease call charges when the mobile communication apparatus is in a roaming country, if the mobile communication apparatus has a USIM card indicating a country code of the roaming country.
53 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A mobile communication apparatus for communicating with a network selectively utilizing a plurality of IC units connected to the apparatus, each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network, the apparatus comprising:
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a detector configured to detect each of the IC units connected to the apparatus;
an activator configured to activate at least one of the detected IC units for communication with the network; and
a controller configured to inform the network of data in the activated IC unit(s). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14)
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11. A method for selectively utilizing a plurality of IC units connected to a mobile communication apparatus for communicating with a network, each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network, the method comprising:
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detecting each of the IC units connected to the apparatus;
activating at least one of the detected IC units for communication with the network; and
informing the network of data in the activated IC unit(s). - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A mobile communication apparatus for receiving a plurality of IC units to communicate with a network, each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network, the apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of sockets configured to receive said plurality of IC units;
a detector configured to detect an IC unit received in a said socket;
an activator configured to activate the detected IC unit for communication with the network; and
a controller configured to inform the network of data in the activated IC unit. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A method carried out in a mobile communication apparatus for communicating with a network, said apparatus having a plurality of sockets for receiving a plurality of IC units, each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network, the method comprising:
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detecting an IC unit received in a said socket;
activating the detected IC unit for communication with the network; and
informing the network of data in the activated IC unit. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39)
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Specification