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.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A mobile communications system, comprising:
 a host computer configured to output a first message type in a first predetermined format, the first message having text for display, and output a second message type in a second predetermined format, the second message having a second predetermined format different from the first predetermined format;   a network coupled to the host computer to receive the first message;   an interface to a mobile station coupled to the network to receive the first and second message types from the network; and   the second message comprised of a command to execute a data manipulation operation in the mobile station.   
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the second message executes an operation in a removable subscriber identity module in the mobile station. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the second message includes a data item to be stored in a removable subscriber identity module in the mobile station. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the second message comprises an encoded data format. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the first and second message type comprise a short message service format. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the second message type modifies an executable application program file. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the second message type modifies an addressable memory in a removable microprocessor module. 
     
     
         37 . A method for operating a mobile station, comprising the steps of:
 receiving a coded message from a first host computer, the coded message being in a first format and including a data item embedded therein in a second format;   inputting the coded message into a removable coupled microprocessor card at a mobile station;   receiving the coded message at a filter associated with the microprocessor, wherein the filter detects the code format;   outputting the code message to a decoder for decoding; and   executing a decoded command.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a data item from the microprocessor;   displaying the data item to the user; and   outputting the data item to a second host computer.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising the step of:
 receiving a predetermined personal identification number from the user, wherein receiving the data item from the microprocessor is only performed if the predetermined personal identification number corresponds to a predetermined memory location.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a personal identification number from user input at the mobile station;   determining validity of the personal identification number; and   outputting information to a network interface in a secure format if the personal identification number is valid.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising:
 receiving a short message code from the user input at the mobile station; and   displaying a reference on mobile station display.   
     
     
         42 . A method for provisioning a smart card with data, comprising the steps of:
 receiving at a transceiver a first application code transmitted from a host station via a link, the smart card being coupled to the transceiver;   writing the first application code from the transceiver to the smart card; and   decoupling the smart card from the transceiver.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the application code is in a specific format, the specific format being embedded in a standard message format, the specific format being distinguishable in the smart card from the standard message format. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising the step of: transmitting the application code to a secure link. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising the step of: coupling the smart card to a point of sale machine. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising the steps of:
 transmitting a second application code from a host to a link;   receiving the second application code in a transceiver from the link, the smart card being coupled to the transceiver; and   writing the second application code from the transceiver to the smart card.   
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising the steps of:
 identifying a plurality of transceivers in a geographic area; and   transmitting data for modifying the memory of a plurality of smart cards coupled to the identified transceivers.   
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein a file object modifies the memory and comprises either the first or the second format application code directed to a plurality of receivers. 
     
     
         49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 42 , further comprising a short message service message received at the transceiver, wherein the short message service message can comprise:
 a message body in a first format;   a command message in a second format; and   the application code in the second format.