EP1417772A2

EP1417772A2 - Cellular telephone protocol extension

Info

Publication number: EP1417772A2
Application number: EP02701527A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yuval Afllalo; Nir Nitzan
Original assignee: Quasar Communication Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Mavenir Ltd
Priority date: 2001-03-05
Filing date: 2002-03-04
Publication date: 2004-05-12
Also published as: AU2002234858A1; EP1417772A4; WO2002071727A2; WO2002071727A3

Abstract

Physical extension of software protocol, especially useful for introducing or extending applications (Fig. 8) between mobile cellular telephone's SIM-connector (102) and SIM-card (107) as heretofore intended for connection with the connector, and the physical extension (103) includes: first buffered connection (104) to the data pad of the SIM-connector; second buffer connection (106) to the data pad of the SIM-card (105); and CPU (105) connected to both the buffers; wherein the CPU is firstly enabled with echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between at least three data copy function commands related in part to either SIM-card or to SIM-connector; and wherein the CPU is secondly enabled with at least one real or virtual third party application. Also descibed is system (108) in compliance with the extension and the protocol) for introducing or extending applications between mobile cellular telephone's SIM-connector and SIM-CARD.

Description

CELLULAR TELEPHONE PROTOCOL EXTENSION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an adapter for the extension of the functionality of a cellular telephone. More specifically, the present invention relates to a functionality extension adapter for a cellular telephone having a SIM connector and an associated SIM card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Applications of cellular telephones for functions other than speech communication have become more widespread over the past few years. Among such functions are the sending and receiving of short written or pictorial (graphic content) messages using the short message service (SMS) as communication to or from a cellular telephone. More recently, the introduction of the so-called SIM Toolkit (or SIM with JAVA, etc.) has made some additional predetermined functions possible such as some limited banking functions, arranging bookings to cinemas and restaurants, payment of credit accounts and other pre-arranged functions.

One mechanism supporting this two-way communication is the Short Message Service (SMS) which is the standard communication link between the SIM card and the network services' controller. The essential features of SIM Toolkit are: control of man-machine interface, communication control services, menu management and application control, accessory management and some other miscellaneous functions. The SIM Toolkit defines how the SIM card should interact with the outside world and extends the communication protocol between the card and the handset. Nevertheless the SIM Toolkit (and its substantially equivalent variants like SIM with JAVA) is limited to this two-way communication protocol as determined by each cellular telephone manufacturer and by each SIM card manufacturer. In essence, this extended functionality is limited to relatively simple preselected two-way communication functions via the SMS.

Another major problem in cellular telephone communications is that different types of cellular telephones have a variety of connector mechanisms for external accessories and, in addition, utilize different communication protocols between the cellular telephone and external accessories. Furthermore, some of these protocols are protected and proprietary and, only the company producing the cellular telephone, can enable the use of such protocols. As a result it is problematic to manufacture a standardized connector and thereby to make use of a plurality of accessories which can be connected to the many different cellular telephones existing in the GSM market.

The inability to utilize such external and, also, internal accessories as well as to enable intercommunication with other data communication networks outside cellular telephone networks, represents a shortcoming to the present art. Overcoming this difficulty would have the effect of expanding the usage of cellular telephones far beyond the relatively simplistic field of conversation and message transferal. Likewise, the relatively limited functionality of the keypad and digital display screen represent limitations to the usability of cellular telephone.

Simply stated, inventors of new applications or of new potential interfaces are precluded from bring the benefits of their respective inventions to market if the cooperation of the cellular telephone manufacture is not forthcoming. Even if the manufacturer was genuinely and idealistically interested in incorporating all of theses wondrous or curious new service functions into their respective devices, administratively there is a long and timely backlog of such items waiting for the manufacturers' considered evaluations, negotiations, and decisions. Accordingly, for creators of new cellular telephone applications, there is a long felt need in the marketplace for an independent conduit whereby the forces of the market, rather than the considerations of the manufacturer, may choose which new applications are of genuine value.

NOTES

Numbers, alphabetic characters, and roman symbols are designated in the following sections for convenience of explanations only, and should by no means be regarded as imposing particular order on any method steps. Likewise, the present invention will forthwith be described with a certain degree of particularity, however those versed in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and alterations may be carried out without departing from either the spirit or scope, as hereinafter claimed.

In describing the present invention, explanations are presented in light of currently accepted theories and models; including wireless data communications standards, market conditions presently operating thereabout, and the likes. Such theories and models are subject to changes, both adiabatic and radical. Often these changes occur because representations for fundamental component elements are innovated, because new transformations between these elements are conceived, or because new interpretations arise for these elements or for their transformations. Therefore, it is important to note that the present invention relates to specific technological actualization in embodiments. Accordingly, theory or model dependent explanations herein, related to these embodiments, are presented for the purpose of teaching, the current team of the art, how these embodiments may be substantially realized in practice. Alternative or equivalent explanations for these embodiments may neither deny nor alter their realization.

GLOSSARY

SIM card: Subscriber Identity Module; a memory-media card containing customer account identification details, commonly used telephone numbers, interface configuration parameters, etc. CPU: Central Processing Unit; such as a microprocessor or a micro-controller, or an electronic decision unit (circuit) system, or a logic array, etc.

SMS: Short Message Service.

GSM: Global System for Mobile cellular telephones.

NOTE: Terms like data, messages, information, files, and the likes are all substantially equivalent items and are used for convenience in discussion of specific examples, and not for purposed of critical differentiation therebetween.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to extend the utilization of a variety of accessories with numerous commercially available makes and models of SIM enabled cellular telephones, a device is necessitated, which eliminates the need to exclusively use some manufacturer enabled built-in connector jack and the associated peculiarities of its associated communication protocol, generally unique to each make or model of cellular telephone - if existent at all. However, in accordance with the present invention there exists a robust mechanism for providing standardized access to substantially all GSM cellular telephones, namely the SIM connector; generally in contact with the SIM card.

The present invention relates to a physical extension of a software protocol, especially useful for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the connector, and the physical extension includes: a first buffered connection to the data pad of the SIM connector; a second buffer connection to the data pad of the SIM card; and a CPU connected to both the buffers; wherein the CPU is firstly enabled with an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between three or more data copy operation selected from the list: (A) copy from the SIM connector to the SIM card, (B) copy from the SIM connector to a third party application, (C) copy from a third party application to the SIM card, (D) copy from the SIM card to a third party application, (E) copy from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and (F) copy from the third party application to SIM connector; and wherein the CPU is secondly enabled with one or more real or virtual third party applications.

Simply stated an extension device, or SIM adapter, is introduced into a cellular telephone, between the SIM connector and the SIM card. The SIM adapter has a first buffer connection to the data pad of the SIM connector and a second buffer connection to the data pad of the SIM card. A CPU is connected to both buffers within the SIM adapter.

This CPU is firstly enabled, with respect to the SIM connection and SIM card, with an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing at any given time a function selected from a list of three or more data copy operations. The data copy operations include copy from the SIM connector to the SIM card, copy from the SIM connector to a third party application, copy from a third party application to the SIM card, copy from the SIM card to a third party application, copy from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and copy from the third party application to SIM connector.

With regard to the above mentioned data copy operations, these also encompass modifying and monitoring of data; such as data that in the absence of the present invention would pass in either direction between the SIM connector and the SIM card.

The CPU is secondly enabled with one or more real (internal or resident) or virtual third party applications, located in some other data processing device or memory media that is connected to the CPU; for example, a data monitor, extended memory, medico-monitoring devices and an additional SIM card connector, and the likes. Simply stated, there are two basic options for CPU "architecture". According to one of these options, the CPU is a sufficiently powerful processor to enable the running of actual software routines and applications. According to the other of these options, the CPU is a low power logic-switching module that relies on externally connected extended processing circuits, when such applications are necessary.

The application of such a SIM adapter device materially extends the functionality of a cellular telephone far beyond interpersonal conversation and short message transmission. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention conveniently enables countless new cellular telephone applications and new cellular telephone peripheral devices to enter the marketplace, independent of the considerations of the cellular telephone manufacturer or of a local service provider. Examples of new applications include extended memory, adaptive communications (LAN, BlueTooth, serial port, parallel port, etc.), a smart choice of service provider router, a data gateway facility, cryptographic extension packages and protocols, etc.

Examples of new peripheral devices that can be interfaced to the CPU include a credit card reader, a serial scanner, environmental reporting, process control feedback, tele-medicine monitoring, etc.

The present invention also relates to new features of SIM toolkits (or of SIM toolkits with JAVA, etc.) having functions specifically designed to interact with an echo protocol emulation decision function logic according to the present invention.

Issues representing advantages, objects and benefits of embodiments of the present invention include: (A) Technical Issues: The present invention provides a conduit for customers, having cellular telephones, to selectively integrate new applications, functions, and services; without disturbing normal cellular telephone operations and without requiring countless new cellular telephone hardware models to be designed and manufacturers. (B) Ergonomic Issues: The present invention provides a facile means for integrating the functionality of new devices and services into standard cellular telephones, the ergonomics of which will be determined by market forces rather than by a licensing officer at on of a small number of cellular telephone manufacturers. (C) Economic Issues: The present invention facilitates the fastest and least expensive route to market for developers of new cellular telephone configured applications and for enabling cellular telephone peripheral devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments including the preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram view of the application of a physical extension of a software protocol for introduction between a SIM connector and SIM card in a cellular telephone;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram view of all copy data operations; Figure 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram view of copy data operations SIM connector to SIM card, SIM card to third party application and third party application to SIM connector;

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram view of copy data operations SIM connector to third party application, third party application to SIM card, and SIM card to SIM connector;

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram view of copy data operations SIM connector to SIM card, SIM card to SIM connector, SIM connector to third party application, third party application to SIM connector;

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic block diagram view of copy data operations SIM connector to SIM card, SIM connector to third party application, and SIM card to SIM connector;

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic block diagram view of copy data operations SIM connector to SIM card, SIM card to SIM connector, SIM card to third party application, and third party application to SIM card; Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram view corresponding to the preferred embodiment; and

Figure 9 illustrates a schematic block diagram view of a system of the application of a physical extension of a software protocol for introduction between a SIM connector and SIM card in a cellular telephone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, cellular telephones are used for interpersonal conversations or for the exchange of written and relatively simplistic graphic messages; by means of SMS, etc. The majority of cellular telephones have a simplistic accessory adapter connection and a command protocol, which enables limited use of manufacturer appreciated accessory equipment such as head sets or hands off installations in automobiles. These adapter connections do not provide access for SIM toolkit associated command protocol utilization. It is, therefore, practically impossible to utilize a standardized adapter and standardized command protocol to exploit the use of an almost limitless range of electronic equipment as accessories in association with substantially a standardized SIM toolkit, as might otherwise be expected. In effect, such adapters as exist are not configured to enable conversion of the simple cellular telephone communication device into a sophisticated multiple-use communication terminal; which the present invention facilitates.

Referring to Figure 1, this represents a schematic block diagram of the application 100 of a physical extension 103 of a software protocol for introduction between a SIM connector 102 and a SIM card 107 for virtually every GSM enabled cellular telephone type 101.

The present invention relates to a physical extension of a software protocol, especially useful for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the SIM connector, and the physical extension includes: a first buffered connection 104 to the data pad of the SIM connector; a second buffer connection 106 to the data pad of the SIM card; and a

CPU 105 connected to both the buffers; wherein the CPU is firstly enabled with an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between three or more data copy operations. Referring now to Figure 2 which is a schematic illustration 200 of the copy data operations selected from the list: (A) copy 204 from the SIM connector 201 to the SIM card 202, (B) copy 207 from the SIM connector to a third party application 203, (C) copy 208 from a third party application to the SIM card, (D) copy 209 from the SIM card to a third party application, (E) copy 205 from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and (F) copy 206 from the third party application to SIM connector; and wherein the CPU is secondly enabled with one or more real or virtual third party applications 108, as shown in Figure 1,.

More specifically, because each make or type of cellular telephone has a unique accessory adapter and command protocol, it is necessary to utilize some other fully standardized connector, namely the SIM connector, which is standardized for all GSM cellular telephones. The present invention utilizes an extension or SIM adapter device, which includes both a buffered connection to the SIM connector pad and a buffered connection to the SIM card. These buffered connections are connected to a CPU. The CPU has two enabling functions. Firstly it is enabled with an echo protocol emulation decision function for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between three or more data copy operations and secondly is enabled with one or more real or virtual third party applications. Effectively, the SIM adapter CPU is firstly enabled to select various data copy operations, to inter-relate the functions of the telephone, the SIM card and a third party application. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, copying includes modifying and monitoring. The CPU is secondly enabled with one or more real or virtual applications either external or internal to the telephone. The use of all the data copy, modify or monitor operations, (A) to (F), represent the conceptually preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, using specific combinations of a limited number of these data copy operations, it is possible to accomplish the complete functionality of all the above mentioned copy data operations, and this is the actual preferred embodiment; such as by specifically using only the copy operation traversing 206, 207, 208, and 209, thereby selectively enabling applications and protocol modifications at 203. For example, a telephone user looks up a familiar municipal service number in the SIM card memory and instructs the telephone to dial that number, then an applications module intercepts this number and transparently substitutes an intelligent equivalent number such as one operating during non-business hours or a local equivalent according to the cellular telephone's current location (either using GPS or using the physical location of the proximate base station). This example is substantially the same logic as is currently implemented in the terrestrial network for calling police, ambulance, or fire department. Essentially, these examples fall into a class of pro-active SIM card with SIM connector interfaces wherein the normal bi-directional copy between card and connector is replaced by a bi-directional copy-in/optional-modify/copy-out functionality. The optional-modify is the subject of specific applications. Absence of the optional-modify is equivalent to an echo operation (copy-in//copy-out). A lesser functional variant of the present invention appends a monitor to the echo operation and records data from the monitor (like a telephone tap) or uses the monitor to selectively stop the echo function (like a firewall). Furthermore, having three or more of the six operations allows a multiplicity of additional applications or, alternatively, allows the interfacing of peripheral devices to the CPU. For example, recording of all telephone activity on an extended memory media, for using a cellular telephone for background downloading of large files, etc. Turning now to Figure 3, this illustrates, for example, one such combination 300 of particular operations to accomplish complete functionality: operation 304 from the SIM connector 301 to the SIM card 302, operation 305 from the SIM card to a third party application 303, and operation 306 from the third party application to SIM connector.

Turning now to Figure 4, this illustrates a further example of the combination 400 of specific operations to accomplish complete functionality: operation 406 from the SIM connector 401 to a third party application 403, operation 405 from a third party application to the SIM card 402 and operation

404 from the SIM card to the SIM connector.

Turning now to Figure 5, this illustrates another example of the combination 500 of selected operations to accomplish complete functionality with the use of four such operations, namely: operation 504 from the SIM connector 501 to the SIM card 502, operation 505 from the SIM card to the SIM connector, operation 507 from the SIM connector to a third party application 503 and operation 506 from the third party application to SIM connector. However, utilizing various other combinations of three or more of these operations, represents an extended usage of the cellular telephone albeit with a limited functionality compared with the preferred embodiment utilizing any combination of functions that provide the equivalent of all six specified operations. A further application is in the field of tele-medicine where monitoring or downloading of monitored personal data such as an electrocardiograph (ECG) is enabled using an embodiment of the present invention.

Turning now to Figure 6, this illustrates, for example, selecting a combination 600 operations: operation 604 from the SIM connector 601 to the SIM card 602, operation 606 from the SIM connector to a third party application, and operation 604 from the SIM card to the SIM connector would enable the logging of telephone call data or the recording of all conversations into an external memory, or other telephone activity. Furthermore, turning to Figure 7, this illustrates using the combination 700 of operations: operation 704 from the SIM connector 701 to the SIM card 702, operation 705 from the SIM card to the SIM connector, operation 707 from the SIM card to a third party application 703 and operation 706 from a third party application to the SIM card. This represents a substantially more limited but, nevertheless, additional usage of the cellular telephone heretofore not available. For example, if a telephone user requires inserting, editing or replacing the telephone directory recorded in the SIM card, this can be presently accomplished rather tediously, one entry at a time, using the keyboard of the telephone. However, using the above mentioned combination of operations, the SIM card telephone directory can be simply and easily inserted, edited or replaced using a regular computer keyboard. In fact, using this technique, it is also possible to transfer a telephone directory from one SIM card to another in a single operation and represents a significant improvement to the use of cellular telephones.

The majority of third party applications are connected externally to the SIM adapter via a jack/cable or even a wireless connection. However, many third party applications can be internal to the cellular telephone or to the SIM adapter itself. This is accomplished by the use of specific software, or by being directly connected to the CPU via a jack/cable within the SIM adapter or the telephone casing. A monitor, keyboard, extended memory and printer are examples of some of the external third party devices. An example of an application, positioned within the telephone is the employment of one or more additional alternative, SIM cards to enable the user to operate within more than a single network, especially useful to an international traveler.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the physical extension of a software protocol, there is an application of the one or more real or virtual third party applications which is a memory extension. Simply stated, a SIM card was never intended to store the amount of information, which can pass through the CPU in terms of the various embodiments of applications of the present invention. Linking a cellular telephone to an external memory extension, functionality is substantially expanded. For example, it becomes feasible to record many types of data such as all telephone conversations for future reference, lists of customers or suppliers, orders placed by customers and many others. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the physical extension of a software protocol there is an application of the one or more real or virtual third party applications, which is resident. This implies that such a third party application is not plugged into an external connector jack but is incorporated within the SIM adapter casing either by means of hardware such as a chip or by means of specific software. Furthermore, real third party applications are resident in the CPU of the SIM adapter and include applications such as adaptive communications, a smart choice of service provider, a data gateway facility, cryptographic extension packages and protocols to mention a few. Virtual third party applications are run in a co-processor in a peripheral device connected to the CPU of the SIM adapter. Examples of peripheral devices interfaced with the SIM adapter CPU include a serial scanner, credit card reader, environmental reporting, tele- medicine reporting and process control feedback to mention a few. The effect of a cellular telephone operating with these and many other third-party applications is to extend the application of cellular telephones far beyond the use as a simple communication device and into the realm of multiple-use controller.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the physical extension of a software protocol there is an application of one or more real or virtual third party applications, which is a data pad of another SIM card. This provides the user with the utilization of a second telephone number, for example as a separate fax or Internet line or, alternatively, to enable the telephone to operate through a second network. Furthermore, this application also means that the cellular telephone can have an intelligent application, which selects which SIM card to activate.

According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, the physical extension of a software protocol there is an application of one or more real or virtual third party applications, which is a data pad interface of another physical extension of a software protocol. Simply stated, this embodiment implies that one or more additional devices can be linked to the cellular telephone through additional CPU's thereby extending the functionality of the system to several external or internal third party applications. Alternatively stated, this application allows a way of creating a data-bus commencing at the cellular telephone with a communicator and a card and expanding this to at least two additional peripheral devices such as a printer, CD-ROM, fax machine, other devices incorporating their own CPU and many others. This means that the cellular telephone utilization is augmented to become the core communication device for many substantive systems.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the physical extension of a software protocol there is an application of one or more real or virtual third party applications, which is a data pad interface of a data monitor. Examples of applications of this embodiment include monitoring of tele-medical data, physical data such as environmental features, process variable monitoring and many others specific devices such as for temperature measurement, motion detector, microphone, camera, infra-red transmitter/receiver, light sensor, pressure sensor and radiation detector to mention a few. In addition, data monitoring devices can also be utilized for uploading of information such as cardiograms, and other measurements.

According to a variation of an embodiment of the present invention, the physical extension of a software protocol in which the data monitor is selected from the list: a physiological measurement monitor, an environmental measurement monitor, an econometric measurement monitor; a security measurement monitor; an industrial process stage measurement monitor; and a data communications topology measurement monitor and so on. An EKG is an example of the use as physiological measurement monitor. For environmental monitoring, many types of data can be monitored, including rainfall, temperatures, wind velocity and direction. To monitor econometric data, the list is substantial and includes bank rates, stock movements, exchange rates, and many others. Security monitoring provides a means for remote monitoring of building or motorcar burglar alarms, smoke detectors, etc. In the field of industrial process stage measurement monitoring, output signals from a variety of measuring devices can be supervised without the need for complex wiring up. Data communications topology measurement monitoring includes, for example, checking if a remote computer server is functioning properly, providing electric loading information and so on. Further, The use of these various accessory data monitoring devices represents a substantial advance in the utilization of cellular telephones.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the physical extension of a software protocol there is an application of the one or more real or virtual third party applications, which is a data pad interface of a command-control interface. This provides for two-way communication between two or more third party applications including memory based interfaces, a scanner, other communication devices and so on. In addition, as opposed to monitoring described above, in terms of this embodiment it is possible to send commands to a variety of processes.

According to another variation of an embodiment of the present invention, the physical extension of a software protocol provides that the command-control interface is selected from: a tele-medicine interface, an industrial process stage interface, an encryption interface, an electromechanical interface, an electro-optical interface, a SIM card emulator interface, an SMS based interface, a data communications topology measurement monitor, etc.

A command control interface relating to tele-medicine, for example, is the sending out a signal from a cellular telephone to cause the administration of medication responsive to data received from a patient monitoring system. Similarly, an industrial process stage interface can be used to send command signals to adjust one or more parameters in an industrial process, for example, to start a boiler, operate a valve to commence flow to or from a vessel, adjust the temperature any of which can be responsive to received signal parameters concerning the process or to simply initiate a process. The application of an encryption interface, for example, enables the sending of new or replacement encryption key to some preferred device. Electro-mechanical command control interfaces allow the user to remotely activate machinery to start or stop, perform a variety of predetermined functions and so on while electro- optical command control interfaces can facilitate operations such switching street lights on or off, setting a remote alarm, operating a projector, etc. A SIM card emulator interface can be utilized to substitute for a SIM card, for example, to operate a private telephone system. An SMS based interface enables any procedure using short messages such as streaming media, for example, recording a domestic event, sending out order or delivery details, etc. The potential for expanding the utilization of the seemingly simple cellular telephone become almost endless. Referring now to Figure 9, the present invention additionally relates to a system 900 for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the connector, and the system includes: a) a cellular telephone 901 having a SIM connector 902; and b) a SIM card 907; c) a physical extension of a software protocol 903, having a first buffered connection 904 to the data pad of the SIM connector; a second buffer connection 906 to the data pad of the SIM card; and a CPU 905 connected to both said buffers wherein said CPU is firstly enabled with an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing at least three data copy operations selected from the list:

(A) copy from the SIM connector to the SIM card,

(B) copy from the SIM connector to a third party application, (C) copy from a third party application to the SIM card,

(D) copy from the SIM card to a third party application,

(E) copy from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and

(F) copy from the third party application to SIM connector; and wherein said CPU is secondly enabled with at least one real or virtual third party applications; and an adapter 908 connected to said CPU for enabling connection to at least one third party accessory device. The system is not restricted to a single physical extension of a software protocol, i.e. a single SIM adapter, but can be made up of a data-bus, which enables the application of multiple third party application devices.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention generally relates to a SIM adapter, which is interposed between a cellular telephone SIM connector, and SIM card. This adapter enables accessories to connect to virtually any GSM cellular telephone using a standard protocol, with a standardized connector. The SIM adapter enables the control, sending and receiving of information between virtually any GSM cellular telephone and a wide range of third party accessories. There is thus provided in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention a system for sending and receiving information with cellular telephones, the system including: a SIM adapter, including a CPU, a switch, and an accessory connector, the switch and the accessory connector being respectively in communication with the CPU; a cellular telephone, including a SIM connector, the SIM connector being in communication with the switch via a first buffered connection to the data pad of the SIM connector; one or more SIM cards in communication with the switch via a second buffered connection to the data pad of the SIM card; and one ore more third party accessories in communication with the SIM adapter.

Reference is now made to Figure 8, where a block diagram of the system 800 is shown illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A cellular telephone 801 is connected to a SIM card 804 via an adapter 807 and a SIM connector 802, the latter generally located within the telephone 801.

The connection between SIM card and SIM connector in the present invention is effected by a SIM adapter 807. The information that is transferred from the cellular telephone to the SIM card and visa versa is transferred through a switch 805 which is monitored by a CPU 806 and which is connected via a first buffered connection to the data pad of the SIM connector 802. The CPU, when required, can send information to the cellular telephone or to the SIM card. The CPU simulates the SIM card in order to control the cellular telephone and to transfer information from an accessory (not shown) connected via the accessory connector 808 to the adapter and then to the cellular telephone.

The method of communication between the cellular telephone and the SIM card rests on the principle that the cellular telephone is the master and the SIM card is the slave. The communication protocol between the cellular telephone and the SIM card is described in the European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI) standard -GSM 1 1.1 1. The protocol is a set of orders sent from the cellular telephone to the SIM card, and visa versa.

In order to transfer information to or from the cellular telephone, the CPU controls the information stream between the SIM card and the cellular telephone and transfers the information that was sent to or from the cellular telephone.

The third party accessory connector is generally an "external" connector meant for use with an external accessory. However, if the accessory can be fitted into the adapter casing, the accessory connector is an "internal" connector also located within the SIM adapter casing.

There are many accessories, which can be attached to the SIM adapter of the present invention, transmitting and receiving signals via the cellular telephone to which the SIM adapter of the present invention is attached. For example, a digitizer can be used as an external accessory for a cellular telephone connected thereto by the accessory connector of the SIM adapter. Drawing or writing on the touch pad of the digitizer is translated into an SMS message and transmitted through the CPU of the adapter to the cellular telephone via the SIM connector. From there the message can be transmitted to a distant destination. In the receiving mode, the SIM adapter receives an SMS message from the SIM connector of the cellular telephone, identifies the message, and sends the message to the external touch pad of a digitizer which serves as an external display.

The operations during transmission and reception of the drawing from the external touch pad of the digitizer can be summarized as follows. When transmitting a message the message is written or drawn on the accessory touch pad, transferred to the SIM adapter CPU, where the information is translated into an SMS message and the destination telephone is updated for receiving the SMS message. When receiving a message:

The telephone transmits the message to be stored in the SIM card. The CPU in the SIM adapter receives the message and determines, for example in accordance with the header of the message, if the message is designated for receipt. When required, the CPU translates the message in accordance with the protocol of the cellular telephone. The message is thereafter transferred to the external accessory connected to the adapter by the accessory connector. For example, if the information is a written message or a drawing, this is presented on the display apparatus of the accessory.

In another application, medical devices can be connected to a cellular telephone. A medical device, for example an electrocardiograph monitor (EKG) is connected to the adapter and information is transferred via a cellular telephone to, for example, a remote doctor's PC. The SIM adapter CPU receives information from the medical device, processes the data and transmits the data as an SMS or other message via the cellular telephone to a distant destination. The transfer of the information is also possible in the reverse direction. The cellular telephone receives a message, for example, an SMS message; the SIM adapter CPU then identifies the message and transfers the information to the medical device which is connected to the adapter via the accessory connector. Such a message can indicate a change in parameters for the device or a request for a specific examination.

When sending information:

The medical device exports information to the SIM adapter CPU, which in turn processes the information so that it can be sent as an SMS message (or other form of message usable by cellular telephones). The destination number is updated and the cellular telephone is signaled to send the message to the destination telephone.

When receiving data

The telephone receives a message, transfers the message to the SIM connector and thereafter to the SIM adapter CPU, which receives and identifies the message. The SIM adapter CPU processes the data, if required, and transfers the information to the medical device.

Referring again to Figure 1 , the present invention also relates to an article of manufacture 109 including a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the connector, the computer readable program code in the article of manufacture including: computer readable program code for causing a computer to be firstly enabled with an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between three or more data copy operations selected from the list: (A) copy from the SIM connector to the SIM card, (B) copy from the SIM connector to a third party application, (C) copy from a third party application to the SIM card, (D) copy from the SIM card to a third party application, (E) copy from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and (F) copy from the third party application to SIM connector. Preferably, tied to the computer readable software, there is another computer readable program code for causing the computer to be enabled with one or more real or virtual third party applications.

The present invention further relates to a program storage device 1 10 readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the connector, the method steps including: a) first enabling an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between three or more data copy operations selected from the list: (A) copy from the SIM connector to the SIM card, (B) copy from the SIM connector to a third party application, (C) copy from a third party application to the SIM card, (D) copy from the SIM card to a third party application,

(E) copy from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and (F) copy from the third party application to SIM connector; and b) second enabling with one or more real or virtual third party applications.

Claims

1. A physical extension of a software protocol, especially useful for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the connector, and the physical extension includes: a) a first buffered connection to the data pad of the SIM connector; b) a second buffer connection to the data pad of the SIM card; and c) a CPU connected to both said buffers; a. wherein said CPU is firstly enabled with an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between at least three data copy operations selected from the list:

1. copy from the SIM connector to the SIM card,

2. copy from the SIM connector to a third party application,

3. copy from a third party application to the SIM card,

4. copy from the SIM card to a third party application,

5. copy from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and

6. copy from the third party application to SIM connector; and b. wherein said CPU is secondly enabled with at least one real or virtual third party application.

2. The physical extension of a software protocol according to claim 1 wherein an application of the at least one real or virtual third party applications is a memory extension.

3. The physical extension of a software protocol according to claim 1 wherein an application of the at least one real or virtual third party applications is resident.

4. The physical extension of a software protocol according to claim 1 wherein an application of the at least one real or virtual third party applications is a data pad of another SIM card.

5. The physical extension of a software protocol according to claim 1 wherein an application of the at least one real or virtual third party applications is a data pad interface of another physical extension of a software protocol.

6. The physical extension of a software protocol according to claim 1 wherein an application of the at least one real or virtual third party applications is a data pad interface of a data monitor.

7. The physical extension of a software protocol according to claim 6 wherein the data monitor is selected from the list: a physiological measurement monitor, an environmental measurement monitor, an econometric measurement monitor; a security measurement monitor; an industrial process stage measurement monitor; and a data communications topology measurement monitor.

8. The physical extension of a software protocol according to claim 1 wherein an application of the at least one real or virtual third party applications is a data pad interface of a command-control interface.

9. The physical extension of a software protocol according to claim 8 wherein the command-control interface is selected from the list: a tele- medicine interface; an industrial process stage interface; an encryption interface; an electro-mechanical interface, an electro-optical interface; a SIM card emulator interface; an SMS based interface; and a data communications topology measurement monitor.

10. A system for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the connector, and the system includes: a) a cellular telephone having a SIM connector; and b) a SIM card. c) a physical extension of a software protocol, having a first buffered connection to the data pad of said SIM connector; a second buffer connection to the data pad of said SIM card; and a CPU connected to both said buffers; wherein said CPU is firstly enabled with an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between at least three data copy operations selected from the list:

(A) copy from said SIM connector to said SIM card, (B) copy from said SIM connector to a third party application,

(C) copy from a third party application to said SIM card,

(D) copy from said SIM card to a third party application,

(E) copy from said SIM card to said SIM connector, and

(F) copy from the third party application to said SIM connector; and wherein said CPU is secondly enabled with at least one real or virtual third party applications; and an adapter connected to said CPU for enabling connection to at least one third party accessory device; 1. An article of manufacture including a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the connector, the computer readable program code in said article of manufacture including computer readable program code for causing an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between at least three data copy operations selected from the list: (A) copy from the SIM connector to the SIM card, (B) copy from the SIM connector to a third party application, (C) copy from a third party application to the SIM card, (D) copy from the

SIM card to a third party application, (E) copy from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and (F) copy from the third party application to SIM connector. 12. A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for introducing or extending applications between a mobile cellular telephone's SIM connector and a SIM card that was heretofore intended for connection with the connector , said method steps including: a) first enabling an echo protocol emulation decision function logic for selectively choosing, and thereby executing, between at least three data copy operations selected from the list: (A) copy from the SIM connector to the SIM card, (B) copy from the SIM connector to a third party application, (C) copy from a third party application to the SIM card, (D) copy from the SIM card to a third party application,

(E) copy from the SIM card to the SIM connector, and (F) copy from the third party application to SIM connector; and b) second enabling with at least one real or virtual third party applications.