Selectable functionality communication systems and methodologies

• US 20040043790A1
• Filed: 02/14/2003
• Published: 03/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Spiral-E Solutions LLC
• Original Assignee: Zone-IP Ltd.
• Inventors: Raviv, Roni, Levy, Ehud Moshe, Ben-David, Amihay, Malawsky, Douglas York
• Application Number:
  US10/367,603
• Publication Number:
  US 20040043790A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/558
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0227 Cooperation and interconnection of the input arrangement with other functional units of a computer G06F3/023 - G06F3/037 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/322 Aspects of commerce using mobile devices [M-devices]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3226 Use of secure elements separate from M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/327 Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/329 Regular and instant lottery, e.g. electronic scratch cards
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/0886 the card reader being portable for interacting with a POS or ECR in realizing a payment transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72406 by software upgrading or downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72427 for supporting games or graphical animations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72445 for supporting Internet browser applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/04 the ringing-current being generated at the substations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/22 including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector

Abstract

A user-interface card for use with an interactive communications device, the user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the interactive communications device in response to the actuation and a system including a user-selectable function operative device and the user-interface card.

Claims

1. A user-interface card for use with an interactive communications device, said user-interface card comprising:

a plurality of user-actuable contact locations;

a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations; and

a communications interface providing communication of said information modules to said interactive communications device in response to said actuation.

2. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said communications interface comprises a plurality of ports.

3. A user-interface card according to claim 2 and wherein a first one of said plurality of ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of ports communicates information module data.

4. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and also comprising a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via said communications interface.

5. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

6. A user-interface card according to claim 4 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

7. A user-interface card according to claim 5 and wherein said contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

8. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and also comprising at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

9. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes at least one information string.

10. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes video content.

11. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes audio content.

13. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes games.

14. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes entertainment content.

15. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes security information.

16. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes gaming programs.

17. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a message.

18. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes transactional information.

19. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from said server.

20. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.

21. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said card does not contain a source of electrical power.

22. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and also including user actuable programming functionality.

23. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and also including user actuable personalization functionality.

24. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and also including functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

25. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and also including functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

26. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and also including functionality which changes the content of at least one of said plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

27. A user-interface card according to claim 1 and wherein said interactive communications device is a television set-top box.

28. A user-interface card according to claim 27 and wherein said communications interface providing communication in response to said actuation also provides communication to another interactive communications device operating as a back-channel communicator.

12. A user-interface card according to claim land wherein said plurality of information modules includes computer programs.

29. A user-interface subsystem for use with an interactive communications device, said user-interface subsystem comprising:

a user-interface card comprising;

a plurality of user-actuable contact locations;

a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations; and

a communications interface providing communication of said information modules to said interactive communications device in response to said actuation; and

a user-interface card intermediary operative to communicate with said communications interface of said user-interface card and with said interactive communications device.

30. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said user-interface card intermediary comprises:

an information module receiver operative to receive said information modules from said user-interface card; and

an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to said interactive communications device.

31. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 30 and wherein said user-interface card intermediary also comprises an information module processor for processing at least some of said received information modules.

32. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said user-interface card intermediary comprises:

an information receiver operative to receive information from said interactive communications device; and

an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to said user-interface card.

33. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 32 and wherein said user-interface card intermediary also comprises an information processor for processing at least some of said received information.

34. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said communications interface comprises a plurality of card ports.

35. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 34 and wherein a first one of said plurality of card ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of card ports communicates information module data.

36. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and also comprising a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via said communications interface.

37. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

38. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 36 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

39. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 37 and wherein said contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

40. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and also comprising at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

41. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes at least one information string.

42. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes video content.

43. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes audio content.

44. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes computer programs.

45. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes games.

46. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes entertainment content.

47. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes security information.

48. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes gaming programs.

49. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a message.

50. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes transactional information.

51. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from said server.

52. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.

53. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said user-interface card does not contain a source of electrical power.

54. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and also including user actuable programming functionality.

55. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and also including user actuable personalization functionality.

56. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said user-interface card intermediary comprises at least one wireless communications link.

57. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said user-interface card intermediary comprises a plurality of intermediary ports.

58. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 57 and wherein a first one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data.

59. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 56 and wherein said at least one wireless link interconnects said intermediary and said interactive communications device.

60. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and also including functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

61. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and also including functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

62. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and also including functionality which changes the content of at least one of said plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

63. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 29 and wherein said interactive communications device is a television set-top box.

64. A user-interface subsystem according to claim 63 and wherein said communications interface providing communication in response to said actuation also provides communication to another interactive communications device operating as a back-channel communicator.

65. A physical hyperlink system comprising:

a user-selectable function operative device; and

a user-interface card comprising;

a plurality of user-actuable contact locations;

a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations; and

a communications interface providing communication of said information modules to said user-selectable function operative device in response to said actuation.

66. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also comprising an intermediary for communicating with said user-interface card and with said user-selectable function operative device.

67. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said user-selectable function operative device is operative in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations on said user-interface card to cause information to be downloaded to said user-selectable function operative device.

68. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 67 and wherein said information to be downloaded is downloaded from said user-interface card.

69. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 67 and wherein said information to be downloaded is downloaded from an external information source.

70. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said user-selectable function operative device comprises a communicator.

71. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said user-selectable function operative device comprises a game device.

72. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said user-selectable function operative device comprises a television and associated set-top box.

73. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said user-selectable function operative device comprises a communicator connected to a communications network.

74. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 66 and wherein said intermediary comprises:

an information module receiver operative to receive said information modules from said user-interface card; and

an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to said user-selectable function operative device.

75. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 74 and wherein said intermediary also comprises an information module processor for processing at least some of said received information modules.

76. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 66 and wherein said intermediary comprises:

an information receiver operative to receive information from said user-selectable function operative device; and

an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to said user-interface card.

77. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 76 and wherein said intermediary also comprises an information processor for processing at least some of said received information.

78. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said communications interface comprises a plurality of card ports.

79. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 78 and wherein a first one of said plurality of card ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of card ports communicates information module data.

80. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also comprising a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via said communications interface.

81. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

82. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 80 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

83. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 81 and wherein said contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

84. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also comprising at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

85. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes at least one information string.

86. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes video content.

87. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes audio content.

88. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes computer programs.

89. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes games.

90. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes entertainment content.

91. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes security information.

92. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes gaming programs.

93. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a message.

94. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes transactional information.

95. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from said server.

96. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.

97. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said user-interface card does not contain a source of electrical power.

98. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also including user actuable programming functionality.

99. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also including user actuable personalization functionality.

100. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 66 and wherein said intermediary comprises at least one wireless communications link.

101. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 66 and wherein said intermediary comprises a plurality of intermediary ports.

102. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 101 and wherein a first one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data.

103. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 100 and wherein said at least one wireless link interconnects said intermediary and said user-selectable function operative device.

104. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also including functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

105. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also including functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

106. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and also including functionality which changes the content of at least one of said plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

107. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 65 and wherein said user-selectable function operating device is a television set-top box.

108. A physical hyperlink system according to claim 107 and wherein said communications interface providing communication in response to said actuation also provides communication to another user-selectable function operating device operating as a back-channel communicator.

109. A selectable functionality mobile communication system comprising:

a function actuation card;

a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary; and

a function selectable mobile device,

said function actuation card containing at least one audio-visual information module which interacts with at least one of said intermediary and said mobile device.

110. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and wherein said function actuation card comprises:

a plurality of user-actuable contact locations;

a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations; and

a communications interface providing communication of said information modules to said function selectable mobile device in response to said actuation.

111. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and wherein said intermediary and said mobile device communicate with each other in a wireless manner.

112. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and wherein said intermediary and said mobile device communicate with each other in a bi-directional communications manner.

113. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and wherein said at least one information module is modifiable through communication between said function actuation card and at least one of said intermediary and said mobile device.

114. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and wherein said intermediary includes a user interface.

115. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 114 and wherein said user interface includes selection buttons.

116. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 114 and wherein said user interface includes a ringer.

117. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 114 and wherein said user interface includes an LED.

118. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said intermediary comprises:

an information module receiver operative to receive said information modules from said function actuation card; and

an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to said function selectable mobile device.

119. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 118 and wherein said intermediary also comprises an information module processor for processing at least some of said received information modules.

120. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said intermediary comprises:

an information receiver operative to receive information from said function selectable mobile device; and

an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to said function actuation card.

121. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 120 and wherein said intermediary also comprises an information processor for processing at least some of said received information.

122. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said communications interface comprises a plurality of card ports.

123. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 122 and wherein a first one of said plurality of card ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of card ports communicates information module data.

124. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and also comprising a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via said communications interface.

125. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

126. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 124 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

127. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 125 and wherein said contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

128. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and also comprising at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

129. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes at least one information string.

130. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes computer programs.

131. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes games.

132. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes entertainment content.

133. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes security information.

134. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes gaming programs.

135. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a message.

136. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes transactional information.

137. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from said server.

138. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.

139. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and wherein said function actuation card does not contain a source of electrical power.

140. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and also including user actuable programming functionality.

141. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and also including user actuable personalization functionality.

142. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and wherein said intermediary comprises at least one wireless communications link.

143. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 109 and wherein said intermediary comprises a plurality of intermediary ports.

144. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 143 and wherein a first one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data.

145. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 142 and wherein said at least one wireless link interconnects said intermediary and said function selectable mobile device.

146. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and also including functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

147. A selectable functionality mobile communication-system according to claim 110 and also including functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

148. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 110 and also including functionality which changes the content of at least one of said plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

149. A selectable functionality mobile communication system comprising:

a function actuation card;

a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary; and

a function selectable mobile device,

said function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with at least one of said intermediary and said mobile device and causes said at least one of said intermediary and said mobile device to download information from an external source.

150. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card comprises:

a plurality of user-actuable contact locations;

a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations; and

a communications interface providing communication of said information modules to said function selectable mobile device in response to said actuation.

151. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said intermediary and said mobile device communicate with each other in a wireless manner.

152. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said intermediary and said mobile device communicate with each other in a bi-directional communications manner.

153. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said at least one information module is modifiable through communication between said function actuation card and at least one of said intermediary and said mobile device.

154. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said intermediary includes a user interface.

155. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 154 and wherein said user interface includes selection buttons.

156. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 154 and wherein said user interface includes a ringer.

157. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 154 and wherein said user interface includes an LED.

158. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module actuating functionality of said mobile device.

159. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing a mobile device ring tone.

160. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing at least one information string.

161. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing video content.

162. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing audio content.

163. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing computer programs.

164. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing games.

165. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing entertainment content.

166. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing security information.

167. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing gaming programs.

168. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing a message.

169. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing transactional information.

170. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from said server.

171. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing mobile commerce data.

172. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing electrical power.

173. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing user actuable programming functionality.

174. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said function actuation card contains at least one information module providing user actuable personalization functionality.

175. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said intermediary comprises:

an information module receiver operative to receive said information modules from said function actuation card; and

an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to said mobile device.

176. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 175 and wherein said intermediary also comprises an information module processor for processing at least some of said received information modules.

177. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said intermediary comprises:

an information receiver operative to receive information from said mobile device; and

an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to said function actuation card.

178. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 177 and wherein said intermediary also comprises an information processor for processing at least some of said received information.

179. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 150 and wherein said communications interface comprises a plurality of card ports.

180. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 179 and wherein a first one of said plurality of card ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of card ports communicates information module data.

181. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 150 and also comprising a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via said communications interface.

182. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 150 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

183. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 181 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

184. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 182 and wherein said contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

185. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 150 and also comprising at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

186. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said intermediary comprises at least one wireless communications link.

187. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 149 and wherein said intermediary comprises a plurality of intermediary ports.

188. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 187 and wherein a first one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data.

189. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 186 and wherein said at least one wireless link interconnects said intermediary and said mobile device.

190. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 150 and also including functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

191. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 150 and also including functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

192. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 150 and also including functionality which changes the content of at least one of said plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

193. A selectable functionality mobile communication system comprising:

a function actuation card;

a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary; and

a television set-top box,

said function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with at least one of said intermediary and said set-top box and causes said at least one of said intermediary and said set-top box to download information from an external source.

194. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 193 and wherein said function actuation card also contains at least one information module which interacts with a communications device providing back-channel functionality in association with said set-top box.

195. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 193 and wherein said function actuation card comprising:

a plurality of user-actuable contact locations;

a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations; and

a communications interface providing communication of said information modules to said set-top box in response to said actuation.

196. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said intermediary comprises:

an information module receiver operative to receive said information modules from said function actuation card; and

an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to said set-top box.

197. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 196 and wherein said intermediary also comprises an information module processor for processing at least some of said received information modules.

198. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said intermediary comprises:

an information receiver operative to receive information from said set-top box; and

an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to said function actuation card.

199. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 198 and wherein said intermediary also comprises an information processor for processing at least some of said received information.

200. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said communications interface comprises a plurality of card ports.

201. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 200 and wherein a first one of said plurality of card ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of card ports communicates information module data.

202. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and also comprising a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via said communications interface.

203. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

204. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 202 and also comprising contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to said user in response to said actuation of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

205. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 203 and wherein said contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

206. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and also comprising at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

207. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes at least one information string.

208. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes video content.

209. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes audio content.

210. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes computer programs.

211. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes games.

212. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes entertainment content.

213. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes security information.

214. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes gaming programs.

215. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a message.

216. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes transactional information.

217. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from said server.

218. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.

219. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said subsystem does not contain a source of electrical power.

220. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and also including user actuable programming functionality.

221. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and also including user actuable personalization functionality.

222. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said intermediary comprises at least one wireless communications link.

223. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and wherein said intermediary comprises a plurality of intermediary ports.

224. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 223 and wherein a first one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of said plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data.

225. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 222 and wherein said at least one wireless link interconnects said intermediary and said set-top box.

226. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and also including functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

227. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and also including functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

228. A selectable functionality mobile communication system according to claim 195 and also including functionality which changes the content of at least one of said plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

229. A communication method comprising:

providing a user-selectable function operative device and a user-interface card comprising;

a plurality of user-actuable contact locations; and

a plurality of information modules;

actuating, by user selection, at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations; and

communicating at least one of said plurality of information modules from said user interface card to said user-selectable function operative device.

230. A communication method according to claim 229 and also comprising communicating information between said user-interface card and said user-selectable function operative device.

231. A communication method according to claim 229 and also comprising downloading information to said user-selectable function operative device.

232. A communication method according to claim 231 and wherein said downloading comprises downloading information from said user-interface card.

233. A communication method according to claim 231 and wherein said downloading comprises downloading information from an external information source.

234. A communication method according to claim 229 and wherein said communicating comprises:

receiving said at least one of said plurality of information modules from said user-interface card; and

transmitting received information modules to said user-selectable function operative device.

235. A communication method according to claim 234 and wherein said communicating also comprises processing at least some of said received information modules.

236. A communication method according to claim 230 and wherein said communicating information comprises:

receiving information from said user-selectable function operative device; and

transmitting received information to said user-interface card.

237. A communication method according to claim 236 and wherein said communicating information also comprises processing at least some of said received information.

238. A communication method according to claim 229 and wherein said communicating comprises:

communicating contact location actuation data; and

communicating information module data.

239. A communication method according to claim 229 and also comprising providing feedback to a user in response to said actuating.

240. A communication method according to claim 239 and wherein said providing feedback includes providing tactile feedback.

241. A communication method according to claim 229 and wherein said communicating comprises communicating via a wireless communications link.

242. A communication method according to claim 229 and also including limiting the number of times at least one of said plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of said plurality of user-actuable contact locations.

243. A communication method according to claim 229 and also including changing information modules which are accessible in response to said actuating.

244. A communication method according to claim 229 and also including changing the content of at least one of said plurality of information modules in response to said actuating.

245. A communication method according to claim 229 and wherein said communicating also includes communicating to another user-selectable function operating device operating as a back-channel communicator.

246. A selectable functionality mobile communication method comprising:

providing a function selectable mobile device, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one audio-visual information module, and

communicating information from said at least one audio-visual information module to at least one of said intermediary and said mobile device.

247. A communication method according to claim 246 and also comprising downloading information to said function selectable mobile device.

248. A communication method according to claim 247 and wherein said downloading comprises downloading information from said function actuation card.

249. A communication method according to claim 247 and wherein said downloading comprises downloading information from an external information source.

250. A communication method according to claim 246 and wherein said communicating comprises:

communicating contact location actuation data; and

communicating information module data.

251. A communication method according to claim 246 and wherein said communicating comprises communicating via a wireless communications link.

252. A selectable functionality mobile communication method comprising:

providing a function selectable mobile device, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one information module;

communicating information from said at least one information module to at least one of said intermediary and said mobile device; and

downloading information from an external source to said at least one of said intermediary and said mobile device, in response to said communicating.

253. A communication method according to claim 252 and also comprising communicating information between said function actuation card and said function selectable mobile device.

254. A communication method according to claim 252 and wherein said downloading comprises downloading information from said function actuation card.

255. A communication method according to claim 252 and said communicating comprises:

communicating contact location actuation data; and

communicating information module data.

256. A communication method according to claim 252 and wherein said communicating comprises communicating via a wireless communications link.

257. A selectable functionality mobile communication method comprising:

providing a television set-top box, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one information module;

communicating information from said at least one information module to at least one of said intermediary and said set-top box; and

downloading information from an external source to said at least one of said intermediary and said set-top box, in response to said communicating.

258. A communication method according to claim 257 and wherein said communicating comprises:

communicating contact location actuation data; and

communicating information module data.

259. A communication method according to claim 257 and wherein said communicating comprises communicating via a wireless communications link.

260. A communication method according to claim 257 and wherein said communicating also includes communicating to a user-selectable function operating device operating as a back-channel communicator.