Telecommunications systems

• US 6,453,167 B1
• Filed: 12/07/1999
• Issued: 09/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: British Technology Group Inter-Corporate Licensing Limited (Invesco Limited)
• Inventors: Timson, Anthony Richard, Dervan, Aden William, Michaels, Wayne David
• Primary Examiner(s): VO, NGUYEN THANH
• Application Number:
  US09/455,628
• Time in Patent Office: 1,015 Days
• Field of Search: 455/466, 455/558, 455/420, 455/422, 455/425, 455/550, 455/551, 455/556-557, 455/575, 455/90, 455/186.1, 455/418-419, 455/88, 455/564, 455/70, 340/825.44, 340/311.1
• US Class Current: 455/466
• 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: G06Q 20/357 Cards having a plurality of specified features
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/363 with the personal data of a user
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/0866 by active credit-cards adapted therefor G07F7/1008 takes precedence
• 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: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/275 implemented by means of portable electronic directories
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2757 by data transmission, e.g. downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/14 including a card reading device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4931 Directory assistance systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/14 Short messaging services, e.g. short message services [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/18 Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data

Abstract

In a telecommunications system such as a global mobile telephone network in which each subscriber unit includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM card), each SIM card has fixed memory locations (22), to which data can be addressed over the air. Some of the locations (22) can not be overwritten from the subscriber unit but can be accessed therefrom on the entry of short simple codes, each associated with one of the locations. Further fixed memory locations (24) can be read over the air only when the subscriber enters a personal identification number. Locking control files (27, 28) are used to control read/write access to the locations (22, 24) respectively.

Claims

1. A method of operating a telecommunications system including at least one host station and a plurality of subscriber units, wherein said at least one host station is operable to transmit a first message to at least one selected said subscriber unit, said first message being adapted to be received and displayed at said least one subscriber unit and being transmitted as a first data stream in a predetermined format, and each of said subscriber units including memory locations for storing information, said method comprising the steps of:

transmitting a second message to at least one selected said subscriber unit, said second message containing information with respect to a party which may be selectively called from said at least one selected subscriber unit, and said second message being transmitted as a second data stream which is an encoded version of said predetermined format and comprises an embedded command stream in which said data stream has at least one embedded command which is a write command for storing said information in at least one selected said memory location of said at least one selected subscriber unit;

receiving said second message at said at least one selected subscriber unit;

determining when a message received at said at least one selected subscriber unit is a second message by detecting its format to be an embedded command stream;

routing said second message to decoding means;

decoding said second message;

storing said second message in said at least one memory location as identified in said second message;

fetching said information from said at least one memory location and displaying said information;

calling said party identified by said stored information from said at least one selected subscriber unit via a voice communication channel;

transmitting a third message from said party to said at least one selected subscriber unit in response to the establishment of said voice communication channel, said third message being transmitted as a third data stream which is in said encoded version of said predetermined format and comprises at least one embedded command which is a read command;

fetching data from at least one said memory location of said at least one selected subscriber unit as identified in said third message;

producing a fourth message representing said data; and

transmitting said fourth message to said party, said fourth message being transmitted as a fourth data stream which is in said encoded version of said predetermined format.

2. A method of operating a telecommunications system including at least one host station and a plurality of subscriber units, said subscriber units including memory locations for storing information, wherein said at least one host station is operable to transmit a first message to at least one selected said subscriber unit using a short message service which transmits said first message coded in a predetermined short message service format, said first message being adapted to be received and displayed by said at least one selected subscriber unit, said method comprising the steps of:

encoding a second message to be transmitted to at least one selected said subscriber unit as an embedded command stream version of said short message service format;

transmitting said second message to said at least one selected subscriber unit;

receiving said second message at said at least one selected subscriber unit;

determining when a second message is received at said at least one selected subscriber unit by detecting said embedded command stream version of said short message service format;

routing said second message to decoding means;

decoding said second message;

processing said second message as dictated by at least one command included in said embedded command stream version of said second message;

requesting information stored in at least one of said memory locations of said at least one selected subscriber unit;

fetching said information in response to said request; and

encoding and transmitting said information from said at least one selected subscriber unit as a third message, said third message being transmitted as an embedded command stream version of said short message service format.

3. In a telecommunications system comprising at least one host station and a plurality of subscriber units, wherein each said subscriber unit includes an integrated circuit module having memory locations for storing information, said at least one host station is operable to transmit a first message to at least one selected said subscriber unit for display by said at least one selected subscriber unit, said first message is transmittable via a short message service which uses a predetermined short message service format, and each said subscriber unit has means responsive to the detection of said first message to store said first message in at least one of said memory locations for fetching and displaying at said least one selected subscriber unit, when required, the improvement which permits said system to provide said subscriber units with value added services and which comprises:

said at least one host station being operable to transmit a second message to at least one selected said subscriber unit, said second message being encoded as an embedded command stream version of said predetermined short message service format;

each said subscriber unit having means for receiving said first and second messages, means for determining when a message is a second message by detecting said embedded command stream, means connected to said determining means for receiving and decoding said second message, means for processing said decoded second message as dictated by a command included in said embedded command stream, access means enabling said memory locations to be selectively accessed to fetch from at least one selected said memory location information stored therein, and means for encoding and transmitting said information fetched from said at least one selected memory location from said subscriber unit as a third message which is encoded as said embedded command stream version of said predetermined short message service format.

4. A method of operating a telecommunications system in which a host station is operable to transmit, to at least one of a plurality of subscriber units of the system, a first message coded in a predetermined first format which is adapted to be received and displayed by said at least one subscriber unit, and in which said subscriber units include memory locations for storing data, comprising the steps of:

coding a preselected second message in a second format distinguished from said first format, said second format comprising a data stream having an embedded command;

transmitting said coded second message from said host station to said at least one subscriber unit;

receiving said coded second message at said at least one subscriber unit,

causing said at least one subscriber unit to distinguish said coded second message from said first message coded in said predetermined first format;

routing said second message coded in said second format to decoding means;

decoding said second message;

detecting when said decoded second message comprises an embedded command which is a write command;

writing data comprised in said second message into at least one of said memory locations, as identified by said second message, to store said data therein;

protecting said stored data from overwriting from said subscriber unit whilst permitting reading thereof from said subscriber unit;

accessing said at least one memory location so as to fetch therefrom data stored at said at least one memory location;

storing said data fetched from said at least one memory location in a buffer, encoding data stored in said buffer in said second format so as to produce a third message; and

transmitting said third message.

5. A method of operating a telecommunications system including at least one host station and a plurality of subscriber units having memory locations for storing information, wherein said at least one host station is operable to transmit a first message to at least one selected said subscriber unit, said first message being transmitted as a first data stream in a predetermined format, said method comprising the steps of:

transmitting a second message to at least one selected said subscriber unit, said second message being transmitted as a second data stream which is an encoded version of said predetermined format and comprises a data stream having at least one embedded command;

receiving said second message at said at least one selected subscriber unit;

determining when a second message is received at said at least one selected subscriber unit by detecting said second data stream to be in said encoded version of said predetermined format;

routing said second message to decoding means;

decoding said second message;

detecting when said decoded second message includes an embedded command which is a read command requesting information stored in at least one said memory location of said at least one selected subscriber unit;

fetching said information from said at least one memory location as identified in said second message;

producing a third message corresponding to said information; and

transmitting said third message, said third message being transmitted as a data stream which is in said encoded version of said predetermined format.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said information is fetched from said at least one memory location in response to the entry in said at least one selected subscriber unit of a personal identification signal.

7. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second message is transmitted in response to detection of a voice call from said at least one selected subscriber unit.

8. In a telecommunications system comprising at least one host station and a plurality of subscriber units, said at least one host station being operable to transmit a first message to at least one selected said subscriber unit for display by said at least one selected subscriber unit, said first message being transmitted as a data stream in a predetermined format, and each said subscriber unit having a multiplicity of memory locations and means responsive to the detection of said first message to store said first message in at least one of said memory locations for fetching and displaying at said at least one subscriber unit, when required, the improvement which permits said system to provide said subscriber units with value added services and which comprises;

said at least one host station being operable to transmit a second message to at least one selected said subscriber unit, said second message being encoded as an embedded command stream version of said predetermined format and comprising a data stream having at least one embedded command;

each said subscriber unit having means for receiving said first and second messages, means for determining when a message is a second message by detecting said embedded command stream, means connected to said determining means for receiving and decoding said second message, and means for processing said decoded second message as dictated by a command included in said embedded command stream, said memory locations of each said subscriber unit also being adapted to store information contained in said second message, if commanded, as well as other information; and

said processing means including means for detecting when said decoded second message includes a write command, means for writing information comprised in said second message into at least one said memory location, as identified in said second message, to store said information therein, means for detecting when said decoded second message includes a read command requesting information stored in at least one said memory location of at least one selected said subscriber unit, as identified in said second message, and means responsive to said read command for fetching and encoding said information as a third message and for transmitting said third message from said subscriber unit, said third message being transmitted in said embedded command stream version of said predetermined format.

9. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 8, wherein each subscriber unit includes access means enabling said memory locations to be selectively accessed to fetch from a selected said memory location information stored therein.

10. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 9, wherein actuation of said access means to select said at least one memory location storing said information contained in said second message fetches said information and transmits the latter to display means of the subscriber unit for display thereon.

11. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said memory locations include secure memory locations and said access means is only able to fetch information from a selected said secure memory location in response to entry of a personal identification signal into said subscriber unit.

12. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 8, wherein each said subscriber unit includes means responsive to a personal identification signal entered at said subscriber unit for enabling said means for fetching, encoding and transmitting said third message.

14. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said predetermined format used for said first message is the format used for a short message service.

15. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second message includes executable applications data file programs for providing each said subscriber unit with additional services.

16. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said processing means includes means for detecting when a decoded second message comprises an embedded command which is an execute command, and means for executing data stored in at least one said memory location.

17. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said memory locations have file handling capabilities including directory functions.

18. A telecommunications system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said system is a global system for mobile communications.

13. A telecommunications system as claimed in 8, wherein the said memory locations, determining means, decoding means and processing means of each said subscriber unit are included in an integrated circuit module removably connected to said subscriber unit.

19. A module for controlling a subscriber unit in a telecommunications system, said module comprising;

means for receiving from said subscriber unit first and second messages received by said subscriber unit, said first messages containing information to be displayed by said subscriber unit and comprising a first data stream in a predetermined format, and said second messages comprising a second data stream encoded as an embedded command stream version of said predetermined format;

a multiplicity of memory locations for storage of said information contained in said first messages, information contained in said second messages, if demanded, and other information;

means for distinguishing said first message from said second messages;

means connected to said distinguishing means for processing said first messages to permit display by said subscriber unit of the information comprising said first messages;

means connected to said distinguishing means for decoding messages distinguished as said second messages;

means for detecting when a decoded said second message includes an embedded command which is a read command requesting information stored in at least one of said memory locations, as identified by said second message; and

means for fetching and encoding said information as a third message for onward transmission, said third message being encoded as a third data stream which is in said embedded command stream version of said predetermined format.

20. A module as claimed in claim 19, further comprising means responsive to a personal identification signal entered into said subscriber unit for enabling transmission of said information.

21. A module as claimed in claim 20, further comprising means responsive to a personal identification signal entered into said subscriber unit for enabling operation of the means for fetching and encoding said information as said third message.

22. A module as claimed in claim 19, further comprising means responsive to selective actuation of access means of the subscriber unit to fetch information stored in a selected said memory location and transmit said stored information for display by said subscriber unit on display means of said subscriber unit.

23. A module as claimed in claim 19, wherein said module is programmable for use remotely from said subscriber by downloading extra services onto said module via said at least one host station, prior to removing said module from said subscriber unit.

24. A module as claimed in claim 19, wherein said module is in the form of an integrated circuit card.

25. A module for controlling a subscriber unit in a telecommunications system, said module comprising;

means for receiving from said subscriber unit first and second messages received by said subscriber unit, said first messages containing information to be displayed by said subscriber unit and comprising a first data stream in a predetermined format of a short message service, and said second messages comprising a second data stream encoded as an embedded command stream version of the predetermined short message service format;

a multiplicity of memory locations for storage of said information contained in said first messages, information contained in said second messages, if demanded, and other information;

means for distinguishing said first messages from said second messages;

means connected to said distinguishing means for processing said first messages to permit display by said subscriber unit of the information comprising said first messages;

means connected to said distinguishing means for decoding messages distinguished as said second messages;

means for detecting when a decoded said second message includes an embedded command which is a read command requesting information stored in at least one of said memory locations, as identified by said second message; and

means for fetching and encoding said information as a third message for onward transmission, said third message being encoded as a third data stream which is in said embedded command stream version of said predetermined short message service format.

26. A module as claimed in claim 25, wherein said module is a subscriber identity module.

27. A module for controlling a subscriber unit in a telecommunications system which is a global system for mobile communications, said module enabling said system to provide said subscriber unit with value added services, and said module comprising:

means for receiving from said subscriber unit first and second messages received by said subscriber unit, said first messages containing information to be displayed by said subscriber unit and being transmitted via a short message service in a predetermined short message service format, and said second messages being encoded as an embedded command stream version of said predetermined short message service format;

a multiplicity of memory locations for storage of said information contained in said first messages, information contained in said second messages, if demanded, and other information;

means for distinguishing said first messages from said second messages;

means connected to said distinguishing means for processing said first messages to permit display to said subscriber unit of the information comprising said first messages;

means connected to said distinguishing means for decoding messages distinguished as said second messages;

means for detecting when a decoded said second message includes an embedded command which is a read command requesting information stored in at least one of said memory locations, as identified by said second message; and

means for fetching and encoding said information as a third message for onward transmission, said third message being encoded in said embedded command stream version of said predetermined short message service format.

28. A subscriber unit for a telecommunications system, said subscriber unit being adapted to display first messages transmitted to said subscriber unit via a short message service which uses a predetermined short message service format, said subscriber unit including a subscriber identity module releasably inserted therein and comprising:

means for receiving from said subscriber unit said first messages and second messages encoded as an embedded command stream version of said predetermined short message service format;

a multiplicity of memory locations for storage of said information contained in said first messages, information contained in said second messages, if demanded, and other information;

means for distinguishing said first messages from said second messages;

means connected to said distinguishing means for processing said first messages to permit display by said subscriber unit of the information comprising said first messages;

means connected to said distinguishing means for decoding messages distinguished as said second messages;

means for detecting when a decoded said second message includes an embedded command which is a read command requesting information stored in at least one of said memory locations, as identified by said second message; and

means for fetching and encoding said information as a third message for onward transmission, said third message being encoded in said embedded command stream version of said predetermined short message service format.

29. A subscriber unit as claimed in claim 28, wherein said subscriber unit is a mobile telephone.