Telecommunications system

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, to which data can be addressed over the air. Some of the locations 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 can be read over the air only when the subscriber enters a personal identification number. Locking control files are used to control read/write access to the locations respectively.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/455,628, filed Dec. 7, 1999, which is assigned to the same assignee as the present application, is incorporated herein by reference and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/557,147, filed Apr. 19, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,976, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a telecommunications system. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a mobile communications system such as a cellular mobile radio or telephone system.

[0003] A recent innovation in such systems has been the introduction of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM cards). These are integrated circuit cards which can be releasably inserted into a mobile telephone and which contain in memory the subscriber's identity, i.e., his telephone number. These known SIM cards also have a rolling buffer which can store a certain number of alphanumeric characters. The buffer facilitates the so-called Short Message Service (SMS) in which a message for a subscriber or for a specified group of subscribers can be broadcast over the air, as an advanced form of radiopaging. Messages can be received by a mobile telephone whenever it is idle or on stand-by. However, if a message is received which would overfill the buffer, data is lost on a first-in-first-out basis.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a more efficient and remotely reconfigurable SIM card.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] From one aspect, the present invention consists in a telecommunications system comprising at least one host station and a plurality of subscriber units, the or each host station being operable to transmit a message to at least one of the subscriber units, and each subscriber unit having a multiplicity of fixed memory locations and means responsive to the detection of the message to store the message in a selected one of the fixed memory locations which can not be overwritten from the subscriber unit, but which can be accessed from the subscriber unit when required.

[0006] In the present application, a “fixed” memory location means a location into which data can be written, and excludes first-in-first-out or circular buffers. Overwriting of all the data in certain “fixed” memory locations may occur in contrast to the first-in-first-out loss of data experienced with current SMS buffers.

[0007] Thus, for example, a set of telephone numbers, each with an identifying alphanumeric tag, can be transmitted to the SIM card, allowing users easy access to commonly used services such as hotels, car hire or airline reservations. This feature is known as a Value Added Service Directory.

[0008] A message may be retrievable by the subscriber on the entry of simple, short codes into the subscriber unit, each memory location corresponding to a particular code. A message may include a telephone number and, once stored, may be able to be overwritten over the air. Preferably, the or each host station is operable to transmit a request for information stored in a subscriber unit. The information may be included in a message and it may also include information which is stored in a secure memory location, accessible only when the subscriber enters a personal identification number (PIN number). The information may include credit details relevant to the subscriber, for example, a credit card number of credit status, thus greatly facilitating credit card transactions carried out over the telephone. Using this feature of the invention, a credit account holder avoids having to dictate his account details and need only enter the mandatory PIN number.

[0009] The host station may be operable to transmit instructions to lock and/or unlock a memory location at the subscriber unit. It may be operable to transmit instructions to run a program stored in memory locations at the subscriber unit. The host station may be operable to transmit files containing functional data and/or files containing non-functional data to the subscriber unit. The messages, requests for information and the instructions being transmitted may be in a specific format which the subscriber unit is able to distinguish from other formats. The specific format may be made secure against interception.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the subscriber unit comprises a mobile radio or telephone and an integrated circuit card which can be removably connected to the radio/telephone. The integrated circuit card may contain the memory locations and may contain means for distinguishing the specific format from other formats. The card may contain means for distinguishing between the messages, requests for information and instructions. The card may also contain the means for storing the messages and means for acting on the requests and instructions.

[0011] From another aspect, the invention consists in a module for controlling a subscriber unit in a telecommunications system, comprising a multiplicity of fixed memory locations and means responsive to the detection of a message transmitted remotely thereto to store the message in a selected one of the fixed memory locations, and being adapted for removable connection to a transceiver of the subscriber unit.

[0012] At least one of the fixed memory locations may be protected from overwriting by the subscriber. The module or card may include means for rendering any or all of said fixed memory locations accessible or inaccessible by either the subscriber or the host station. The card may include a directory structure within which files can be stored.

[0013] The invention is particularly applicable to global telecommunication systems in which the mobile cellular telephone networks of various countries or areas communicate using a common standard. An example of such a global system is GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) currently operating in Europe. However the invention is not limited to global systems and could be applied to a single national cellular network or even to a fixed land-linked network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows the transmission of messages to a subscriber unit in a system according to the invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a process in which a subscriber unit transmits a message and requested information;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing elements of a module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0018] FIG. 4 shows details of one of the blocks shown in FIG. 3; and

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the module shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an SMS distribution path according to the invention. In the prior art, the short messages have usually been directed to a single subscriber or a specified group of subscribers such as a sales team.

[0021] However, GSM also supports a feature known as Cell Broadcast in which messages can be sent to all the subscribers in a particular area. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, a message consists of the telephone number of an advertiser and an alphanumeric tag to identify the advertiser.

[0022] An operator enters the message into a terminal 1. The message is then coded into a secure format known to applicants as an Embedded Command Stream (ECS) and sent via a modem 2 and a fixed line 3 to a local GSM switch 4. According to its delivery address, the message is delivered to any or all of the other switches within that network, or even across networks.

[0023] The switch 4, which in this example is in the geographical area to which the message is to be transmitted, delivers the message to a number of cellsites 5. The cellsites 5 are the base transceiver stations of the GSM network.

[0024] Each cellsite 5 then broadcasts the message to a group of transceivers or mobile telephones, hereinafter referred to as “mobiles”. If Cell Broadcast is used, the group consists of all mobiles within the geographical area at the time of the broadcast.

[0025] A selected mobile 6 receiving the message transmits a confirmation of receipt back to its respective cellsite 5. From now on, until an update situation, the system will not contact this mobile 6 again.

[0026] The mobile 6 recognizes the message as SMS data and passes it to a SIM card 7, which is a small self-contained microprocessor, held in a slot in the mobile 6. The SIM card 7 in turn recognizes the ECS using special hardware and software and stores the message in memory in such a way that it may not be overwritten by the subscriber. Known SIM cards contain a large number of fixed memory locations in which the subscriber can store frequently dialed numbers and corresponding alphanumeric tags. The SIM card 7 of the invention stores the message in one of these locations, and then carries out a write protect operation. The locations dedicated to storing write protected messages may be designated by code numbers relating to a particular category of advertiser. Thus, for example, car hire company telephone numbers can be stored in location 01, hotel reservations in location 02 and so on.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a call placing process in which a subscriber communicates with an advertiser. The subscriber, remembering that the car hire company's number is in location 01 as shown at 8, keys in a short code corresponding to the location, such as 01#. The mobile 6 then interrogates the SIM card 7 to retrieve the telephone number from the location. The SIM card 7 provides both the number and the alphanumeric tag giving the company's name and displays it to the subscriber. The user confirms that he wishes to proceed by pressing SEND.

[0028] Next, the mobile obtains a voice channel through which the call proceeds to the dialed number. The GSM system automatically handles intra-network and inter-network hops. At this point the subscriber can hold a voice conversation with the company.

[0029] Providing the correct equipment has been installed at the company, as soon as the call is answered, subscriber identity information read from the SIM card 7 gives the company immediate customer billing details such as a name and address.

[0030] The SIM card 7 also contains information detailing the subscriber's credit account. This information is held in a separate, secure memory location, accessible only when the subscriber enters a mandatory PIN number, known only to himself, thus confirming that the mobile has not been stolen or lost. When the subscriber has confirmed his car hire deal, he enters the PIN number into the mobile 6, requesting the credit information from the SIM card 7. The SIM card 7 supplies the information and the mobile uses existing voice/data techniques to transmit the information to the company, in a format secure against detection by fraudsters. The sale is confirmed by the company or its equipment and the call is terminated.

[0031] In this example, it is also possible to obtain a telephone or fax number from the operator-assisted directory enquiries system without the subscriber having to manually enter the number into the communications terminal which he desires to use.

[0032] To use this feature, the subscriber calls network directory enquiries and gives the name of the person, company or service of which he wishes to ascertain the telephone number, as well as any additional information requested by the operator answering the call. The operator then locates the number, confirms it and enquires as to whether the number is to be transmitted verbally, transferred over SMS into a given memory location of the subscriber's SIM card or both.

[0033] If the subscriber chooses a SIM update, the voice call is terminated and the operator initiates the SMS process by entering a sequence into a computer or pressing a dedicated button. The telephone number is then encoded into an ECS message at the despatch center and is posted across the network to the subscriber's communications terminal, which transmits a confirmation to the despatch center. Thus, the retry mechanism, which operates until such a confirmation is received, is suspended.

[0034] The communications terminal recognizes the message as SMS data, passes it to the SIM card, and if capable, displays a “message received” banner. The SIM card in turn recognizes the ECS using special hardware and software, and decodes it accordingly. The number, and any associated alphanumeric tag, which would normally consist of the name of the person or company, are recovered together with the memory location in which they are intended to be stored. The number and name-tag are then written to that location and are write-protected if requested by the subscriber, the overwrite protection being encoded into the message at source.

[0035] Subsequently, the subscriber attempts to place a call to the number in the known memory location by keying in the memory location number. The SIM card passes the telephone or fax number to the communications terminal on demand, and upon receipt of the subscriber's confirmation, the communications terminal sets up the call to the desired number.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows the electronic structure of the SIM card 7. The card communicates with the mobile to which it is connected via an input/output (I/O) manager 15, preferably using the protocol ISO 7816 T=0. A filter 16 receives incoming data from the I/O manager and detects any ECS messages from among the short messages received. The ECS messages are sent directly to an extended erasable read only memory (E2ROM) 17, which is preferably a “flash” E2ROM. Data can also be output from the E2ROM directly to the I/O manager 15. The remaining blocks shown in FIG. 3 are standard components of a SIM card.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows how the E2ROM is organized. A root directory 18 contains a SIM administration and identifier 19, a GSM directory and network data 20, and a telecom directory 21.

[0038] The telecom directory in turn contains memory locations as follows: “abbreviated dial numbers” 22, “capability configuration” 23, “short messages” 24, “fixed dial numbers” 25, and “charging counter” 26. Each block represents a plurality of memory locations. The frequently dialed numbers and corresponding alphanumeric tags are stored at locations 22.

[0039] The “abbreviated dial numbers” locations 22 and the “short messages” locations 24 each have an associated locking control file 27, 28, respectively. The locking control files constitute means for read/write protecting and removing read/write protection from their associated memory locations. The locking control files 27, 28 will typically be in the telecom directory 21 as shown, however they can be located elsewhere such as in an administration directory.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the SIM card 7, which uses the specially fabricated hardware and software which has been described above to implement the operations illustrated. At lozenge 9, messages, requests, and instructions having ECS are distinguished from those without. Each of these ECS types consists of a data stream headed by a command which is one of at least four types: write commands for the messages, read commands for the requests for information, attribute commands for lock or unlock instructions and run commands for instructions to run a program.

[0041] The command and data types are decoded at box 10 and acted on in one of the four paths 11-14.

[0042] Path 11 handles the write commands to store messages starting at a location specified therein. Path 12 handles the read commands; again, the requests for information contain a location to be accessed first. Successive locations are read and the data stored in a buffer until the required amount of data has been read. The data in the buffer is then encoded into the ECS format and despatched from the mobile using SMS to the calling party.

[0043] In path 13, attribute commands are used to lock or unlock specified memory locations and render them accessible or inaccessible, either to calling parties or to the subscriber. In path 14, run commands cause a program stored in the SIM card to be run.

[0044] The basic ECS system is expandable to up to 255 internal shell commands of which write, read, lock/unlock and run are four examples. The specific protocol used for the transfer of information is not fixed and could be ISO7816 T=0 or any other suitable protocol.

[0045] The internal shell commands are a supplement to the ability of the system to create external file objects within the SIM card 7. The file objects are of two types: Application Data File Programs (ADFP's) containing functional data which can be executed by the SIM card processor and can self modify if required and Application Data Files (ADF's) containing non-functional data which does not have these capabilities. Existing ADF(P)'s can be modified over-the-air enabling advanced facilities such as personalization, re-personalization or downloadable phone book.

[0046] The SIM card 7 has a directory structure, similar to that of a computer disk, and new ADF(P)'s can be downloaded into any directory over the air. Also over the air, directories can be created, deleted and modified, multiple tree directory operations can be carried out and ADF(P)'s that are no longer required can be deleted. The amount of ADF(P) data which can be downloaded is limited only by the size of the E2ROM memory of the card.

[0047] The invention, as described, greatly extends the applications of SIM cards. For example, using the Value Added Services Directory, subscribers can book hotels and airline seats over their mobiles quickly and easily.

[0048] An additional advantage of this feature of the invention is that the geographical distribution of messages to cards in a specific area such as the South of France is facilitated. Thus advertisers can direct their messages to all mobile subscribers in the specific area. This, is particularly useful when subscribers “roam” from one area to another and have no knowledge of local services.

[0049] The directory enquiries download enables contact telephone or fax numbers to be delivered to a subscriber's communications terminal without any intervention by the subscriber. The process of manually entering a number whilst engaged in a call to the operator is often dangerous, especially when the subscriber is driving.

[0050] The ability of the system to download ADF(P)'s means that additional services can be added to the SIM card over the air while maintaining total compatibility with the existing cellular system. Thus the SIM card could acquire the functions of a credit card, passport, driving licence, car park pass, membership card and so on, becoming a multi-service card. Also, dynamically updatable services can be added which require a different process to be run each time a service is accessed.

[0051] Once the card has extra services on it, it can be used outside of the mobile phone environment if desired as a standalone item. This can be read from or written to by a dedicated piece of hardware, such as a point of sale machine. If desired, the new services can be deleted, however the card will never lose its mobile phone SIM capability. In addition, if the card has extra services, they will continue to function even if the subscriber has been disconnected from the mobile phone network, unless otherwise desired.

[0052] Modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the SIM card can be trained only to receive messages detailing services relevant to the subscriber's needs.

Claims

1. 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 messages to said subscriber units,

each said subscriber unit having a multiplicity of memory locations and means responsive to the detection of a message to store said message in a selected one of said memory locations, which can be accessed from said subscriber unit when required,

said memory locations being provided in an integrated circuit module which is removably connected to said subscriber unit,

said at least one host station being adapted to transmit a message coded in a specific format distinguished from other message formats used in the system, said message coded in said specific format comprising a read command, and

said module having means for distinguishing a message coded in said specific format from said other message formats, means for decoding and storing a message coded in said specific format in a selected said memory location, reading means operable in response to a decoded message to instigate an action to be taken by the associated said subscriber unit, said action including the transmission of information requested by said read command.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said module includes means adapted to transmit said requested information, in a message coded in said specific format, to said associated subscriber unit.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said associated subscriber unit comprises means arranged to receive said message from said module and to present said information from said message to a user of said subscriber unit or to transmit said message to said at least one host station.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one host station is adapted to transmit a further message coded in said specific format, said further message comprising information to be stored in said module and/or an instruction to execute a program stored in said module, and said module includes means for distinguishing between said messages comprising information to be stored, a request for information and an instruction.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said message coded in said specific format transmitted from said at least one host station comprises a request for information stored in a secure memory location of said module, and said module is responsive to a personal identification signal entered in said subscriber unit by a user to render said secure location accessible to said request transmitted from said at least one host station.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said message coded in said specific format is coded in a secure format.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said secure format is in the form of an Embedded Command Stream which comprises a data stream headed by a command.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one host station is adapted to transmit a message coded in said secure format which is headed by a write command, and said module is responsive to said write command to store the accompanying message in a selected said memory location as specified by said write command.

9. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said module is responsive to said read command to read information from a selected said memory location as specified by said read command.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said information is read from successive said memory locations, is stored, coded in said specific format and, thereafter, transmitted from said module.

11. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said module includes locking control means for selectively protecting said memory locations from reading and/or overwriting by said subscriber unit or said at least one host station.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said at least one host station is adapted to transmit a further message including an attribute command and said locking control means of said module is responsive to said attribute command to lock or unlock said memory locations thereof as selectively to provide read and/or write protection.

13. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one host station is operable to transmit said message coded in said specific format so as to overwrite an earlier message stored in said memory location(s) at at least one said subscriber unit.

14. A module for controlling a subscriber unit in a telecommunications system comprising at least one host station, said module being removably connectable to a transceiver of said subscriber unit and comprising:

a multiplicity of memory locations,

means responsive to the detection of a message transmitted from said at least one host station to store said message in a selected one of said memory locations,

means for distinguishing a message coded in a specific format from other message formats used in said system, said message coded in said specific format comprising a read command,

means for decoding and storing a message coded in said specific format in a selected said memory location, and

reading means operable in response to a decoded message to instigate an action to be taken by said subscriber unit, said action including the transmission of information requested by said read command.

15. A module as claimed in claim 14, including means adapted to transmit said requested information in a message coded in said specific format to said subscriber unit.

16. A module as claimed in claim 14, including means for distinguishing between, in messages coded in said specific format, a message comprising information to be stored, a request for information stored in said module and/or an instruction to execute a program stored in said module.

17. A module as claimed in claim 16, including means responsive to a personal identification signal entered in said subscriber unit by a subscriber to render a secure memory location of said module accessible to said request for information transmitted from said at least one host station.

18. A module as claimed in claim 16, including means responsive to said instruction for executing a program stored in the module.

19. A module as claimed in claim 14, including locking control means for selectively protecting said memory locations from reading and/or overwriting by said subscriber unit or said at least one host station.

20. A module as claimed in claim 14, wherein each said memory location is associated with a simple, short code and includes means responsive to the entry of the relevant said short code to retrieve data from said memory location.

21. A module as claimed in claim 14, including a directory structure within which files can be stored.

22. A module as claimed in claim 14, wherein said module is in the form of an integrated circuit card.

23. A method of operating a telecommunications system in which at least one host station is operable to transmit messages to a plurality of subscriber units, comprising the steps of:

providing a multiplicity of memory locations in each said subscriber unit said memory locations being disposed in an integrated circuit module removably connected to said subscriber unit,

transmitting from said at least one host station to at least one of said subscriber units a message coded in a specific format distinguished from other message formats used in said system, said message comprising a read command,

receiving said message at said at least one subscriber unit and rewriting said message to said integrated circuit module thereof,

causing said integrated circuit module to distinguish said message coded in said specific format from said other message formats,

routing said message coded in said specific format to decoding means,

decoding said message coded in said specific format to produce a decoded message,

storing said decoded message in a selected said memory location,

reading said decoded message and, in response thereto, instigating an action to be taken by said at least one subscriber unit, said action including the transmission of information requested by said read command.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, including the step of transmitting said requested information as a message coded in said specific format to said at least one subscriber unit.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, including the step of receiving said message and presenting said information from said message to a user of said at least one subscriber unit or transmitting said message to said at least one host station.

26. A method as claimed in claim 23, including the steps of transmitting a further message from said at least one host station to said at least one subscriber unit coded in said specific format and comprising information to be stored in said integrated circuit module and/or instructions to execute a program stored in said module, and distinguishing between said messages comprising information to be stored, a request for information and an instruction.

27. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein said message coded in said specific format is coded in a secure format.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein said secure format is in the form of an embedded command stream which comprises a data stream headed by a command.

29. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein said reading step comprises detecting when said decoded message comprises an attribute command identifying at least one of said memory locations which is to be locked or unlocked so as to render said at least one memory location accessible or inaccessible to said at least one host station or said subscriber unit, and locking or unlocking said identified at least one memory location, thereby to control access to said at least one memory location from said at least one host station or said subscriber unit.