DE10108056A1 - Method for operating a mobile telecommunication device according to at least two mobile radio standards, a corresponding telecommunication device as well as corresponding computer programs and a corresponding computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a mobile telecommunication device (1) according to at least two mobile radiotelephone standards. The device (1) is operated by means of a first module (2) in a first mode according to a recent mobile radiotelephone standard, particularly the UMTS standard, and by means of at a second module (3) in a second mode according to an older mobile radiotelephone standard, particularly the GSM standard. The first and the second module (2, 3) form two different hardware units. The invention also relates to a corresponding telecommunication device (1), corresponding computer programs and a corresponding computer program product.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a mo Bilen telecommunication device after at least two mobiles radio standards.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding mobile Telecommunications Equipment.

In addition, the invention relates to corresponding computer programs and a corresponding computer program product.

To use a mobile device of a younger generation compatible with the standards of an older generation is discussed, mobile communication terminals with min to provide a multimode terminal. Right now especially thought about compatibility of UMTS (U niversal Mobile Telecommunication System), the standard of third generation, with GSM (Global System for Mobile Commu nications), the standard of the second generation chen. A mobile commu has been proposed for this nikationsendgerät, in particular for sending and receiving News, in two through appropriate hardware and software realized modes to operate, the device in the first Mode according to the UMTS standard and in the second mode according to the GSM standard is operated. Such a device is also called Called dual mode terminal.

It is discussed in particular, as with mobile telecommunications 3rd generation nications devices, in particular with a groove zerospecific data used in devices of the second mobile radio generation on referred to as SIMs (Services Identity Module)  Smart cards are housed, should be moved. If there was no need for backward compatibility, a third generation device would only need the übli usually referred to as UICC (User Integrated Circuit Card) can read smart cards. But as a downward compatibility If it is deemed necessary, it is considered a necessity considered a second generation SIM usable in devices of the third generation and by the Ge advises to be readable. For this purpose, the same recording facility should be used device in which the UICC is also used can be set.

It is an object of the present invention in a simple manner compatibility between different cellular standards to enable.

This task is in the process of the aforementioned Art solved in that the device by means of a first module in a first mode according to a recent mobile radio standard, in particular the UMTS standard, and by means of a second Mo duls in a second mode according to an older cellular network standard, especially the GSM standard, is operated where for the first and the second module two different ones Form hardware units.

This task continues with a mobile telecommunications tion device solved by at least a first module, esp especially a UMTS module for operating the device after a recent mobile radio standard, in particular the UMTS standard, and a second module, in particular a GSM module, for Operating the device according to an older mobile radio standard, in particular the GSM standard, the at least two months dule are hardware separated from each other.

The object is further achieved by the Ver drive realizing computer programs according to the claims  20 and 21 and a corresponding computer program Product solved according to claim 22.

The advantages of the invention of a hardware separation in a first and a second module are mainly to be found in it hen that in particular conventional GSM modules in one Third generation telecommunication device used can, without significant hardware changes would be necessary.

It is expedient to offer the module according to the jun generation as a master module for general devices control while operating the module of the older genera tion acts as a slave. In the case just described So the UMTS module, the master module and the GSM module Slave module. Both modules are required for their active operation usually access to a smart card. In case of GSM is a SIM, in the case of UMTS a UICC on which in addition to the USIM (User Service Identity Module) also memory Capacities for high security data for the network Opera gate or user applications, electronic signatures, Video images and other user data may be present. Basically, a smart card must be accessible in the device to be available. According to the invention, it is in each case of Both modules can access the smart card.

The first module will have access to the smart card before moves over a module card interface, especially one UICC interface, which realizes the first module and the Smart card connects.

The smart card can be, for example, a UICC or a SIM his. So that the first module or the master module under ordered second module or slave module on the smart card according to the invention is a module-module Interface provided, which the first and the second Mo dul connects. Using appropriate software then the second module via the module-module interface, the  first module and the module card interface to the Smart Access card. The control is the responsibility of the first month dul or master module. The advantages of doing so are that an easy access of the second module to the Smart card is enabled, which is not directly to the second Module is connected.

From the point of view of the application software of the second module there is no difference whether the interface is for that of the second module usable data locally on the second module or removed on another module, here preferably that first module.

In the case of a GSM module, this means that the SIM Commands via the module-module interface to the master Controller to the smart card are redirected so that a Stan dard GSM module in egg without extensive software modifications can be used in any environment. The module Card interface or smart card interface (hardware and software) of the master module can also be used by the GSM module can be used without additional hardware or software extensions would be necessary. In this way, a kind virtual SIM interface implemented.

In addition, the second module can be used more universally with and without the use of Mo according to the invention dul module interface. Preferably by means of a appropriate configuration parameter in the software of the second Module can be set whether the in the second module in tegrierte connection - in the case of a GSM module in this Module integrated SIM connection or the SIM interface - for another Smart specifically assigned to the second module Card should be used or whether the appropriate commands are to be redirected to the smart card in the first module. because with is a stand-alone operation and a slave operation of the second module possible. Depending on the set module Configuration will access the data for the second  Module - in the case of a GSM module the SIM access - thus lo cal via the SIM interface to one in the second module inserted SIM card or according to the invention on the module-module interface to that with the first module connected smart card. Thus each of the at the modules can also be run as a single Mode modules are designed.

The module-module interface is particularly preferred as AT Interface designed so that the second module under the Check the first module to access the smart card can. The control by the first module is advantageous Unfortunately, the second module is less expensive must be. The orders concerning those of the second Data that can be used on the module are accessed via the AT interface redirected the first module to the smart card.

It is preferred for data access on the part of the second module At least one logical channel of the AT interface is provided hen. UICC or SIM data can be converted between without the first and the second module.

Preference is given to coupling the slave module to the Master interface used multiplexed AT interface, d. H. that by means of a certain algorithm, the transfer box capacity of the AT interface can be used several times. This can cause timing problems on the AT interface be prevented.

The computer programs according to the invention include in particular re the interface programming for the implementation of the described inventive method.

Advantageous further developments of the invention are provided by Characterized the subclaims.

The following are two embodiments of the invention explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows the structure of a mobile telecommunications device with two modules, and

Fig. 2 is a partial representation of the connection of the two modules according to FIG. 1 via an AT interface.

The terminal or mobile telecommunications device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a UMTS module 2 designed as a first module and a GSM module 3 designed as a second module. The UMTS module 2 is, for example, a W-CDMA (wideband code division multiple access) control device. The UMTS module 2 functions as the master module and the GSM module 3 as the slave module. The two modules 2 , 3 have different hardware and software and are connected to one another via a module-module interface 6 .

The UMTS module 2 has various software functionalities. A UMTS main controller 7 communicates with an input and display device 8 , via which data can be entered or displayed in the UMTS module 2 . The UMTS main controller 7 is also directly connected to an access program (USIM-Access) 9 .

Via a module card interface or UICC interface 5 , which is located on the UMTS module 2 , the UMTS module 2 is via the access program 9 with a smart card 4 , in particular a UICC according to the UMTS standard, connected. The smart card 4 is inserted into a correspondingly designed receiving device in the UMTS module 2 . The smart card 4 can preferably store a large number of data, in particular user-specific USIM (User Service Identity Module) data, but preferably also enables other applications such as bank account access, electronic trading, etc. Via the module card interface 5, it is known that UMTS module 2 accesses the data on the smart card 4 .

The GSM module 3 also has various functionalities, e.g. B. Call functions and the ability to send or receive short messages, so-called SMS. The GSM module 3 has a GSM main controller 17 , which is connected to a module card interface or SIM interface 15 via an access program (GSM access) 19 .

User-specific data for devices of the second mobile radio generation with only one GSM module 3 are usually stored on a GSM card and in particular a SIM smart card 14 , which is indicated in dash-dotted lines in FIG. Module 3 is inserted. In the present embodiment according to FIG. 1, however, the SIM data are on the smart card 4 - that is, preferably on a UMTS card - which is not directly connected to the GSM module 3 . To indicate that no SIM smart card 14 is installed in the GSM module 3 , the connec tion arrow between the SIM interface 15 and the SIM smart card 14 is crossed out. The SIM interface 15 therefore does not necessarily have to be physically formed in the present case; a software implementation may be sufficient.

Differences between a GSM card and a UMTS card exist mainly with regard to the stored data not in terms of hardware.

The GSM module 3 may according to the invention under control of the UMTS module 2 - and here in particular the UMTS main controller 7 - implemented in software on one side and a part of the module module interface 6 forming remote control controller 6 b on the GSM-module 3 via at least one channel on the module-module interface 6 , a software-implemented and part of the module-module interface 6 forming GSM controller 6 a on the UMTS module 2 and via the module card interface 5 on the data access the Smart Card 4 .

The card activation and deactivation as well as the message processing is also handled via the module card interface 5 of the UMTS module 2 . The electrical characteristics and the procedures for card access for SIM and UICC are preferably fully compatible.

An embodiment of the module-module interface 6 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. For the sake of simplicity, not all of the components of the two modules 2 , 3 shown in FIG. 1 are shown again. According to FIG. 2, the interface 6 is designed as AT interface. Preferably, the As of the smart card 4, in particular UICC, and the SIM data, a logical channel th e 6 reserved for the transmission according to the invention. Messages between the GSM module 3 and the module card interface 5 are sent via the AT interface 6 . A physical SIM interface is not necessary, just a software solution that redirects all SIM messages to the AT interface 6 . Accordingly, all messages belonging to a SIM card are passed from the smart card 4 to the GSM module 3 and vice versa transparently, ie without data conversion, via the AT interface 6 .

In order to avoid temporal problems at the AT interface 6 , according to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, software multiplexers 6 c, 6 d are used, which are preferably specified in accordance with the GSM 07.10 agreement. The multiplexer 6 c on the side of the UTMS module 2 is connected to the module card interface 5 , cf. Fig. 1. The multiplexer 6 d on the side of the GSM module 3 is connected to the module's own, physically or purely software-implemented SIM interface 15 of the GSM module 3 , which - as described above - according to the exemplary embodiment not for direct Connection with a SIM card is used. Rather, all SIM messages are redirected to the AT interface 6 and to the module card interface 5 , ie the UICC interface.

In the AT interface 6 according to FIG. 2, the logical channel 6 e is provided exclusively for SIM access to the smart card 4 . The SIM access can be given priority dynamically by mapping the SIM interface 15 of the GSM module 3 onto one of the multiple channels.

A smart card 4 , which is preferably designed as a UMTS card or UICC and inserted in the UMTS module 2 , preferably contains at least one UMTS-relevant USIM application and additionally optionally a GSM SIM application. The UMTS and GSM applications are arranged separately in different groups on the UICC. In addition to the UMTS services, the mobile telecommunications device 1 preferably also supports GSM services. However, it is ultimately up to the respective network operator to accept or not to accept them.

Instead of a UMTS card 4 , a GSM card can also be used in the UMTS module 2 . This means that the module card interface 5 allows plugging in both a UMTS card or UICC 4 and a GSM card or SIM. In the latter case, however, only a reduced command set can be used due to the GSM specification.

Both modules, the UMTS module 2 and the GSM module 3 , are hardware-independent modules that are activated depending on the current network connection. The UMTS module 3 is the master module. When the GSM module 3 is in the active state, the UMTS module 2 controls the GSM module 3 . For this purpose, the AT command set of the GSM module 3 is used by the UMTS module 2 .

If the GSM module 3 is in the active state and a UMTS network call is received by the UMTS module 2 , the GSM module 3 must be switched to the UMTS mode, which can be done automatically or manually.

The MMI (man-machine interface), ie the input and display device 8 , is part of the UMTS module 2 in the present exemplary embodiment and has no direct interface to the GSM module 3 . In this case, if the GSM module 3 is in the active state, all MMI-relevant data (input and output data) must be input in the case of the input device which is usually designed as a keypad or voice input device (as part of the input and output device 8 ). and converted into AT commands or in the case of data output by the GSM module 3 into a suitable MMI output on a display.

For the realization of a UMTS / GSM terminal, using the invention a simple one of the at least two modules shared access to a shared smart card, in particular another UICC smart card, implemented without complex Hardware precautions would have to be taken.

The above description of the embodiments with respect UMTS and GSM module as well as UMTS card (UICC) and GSM card (SIM) can be used without restriction to other modules and Transfer smart cards.

Claims (22)

1. A method for operating a mobile telecommunications device ( 1 ) according to at least two mobile radio standards, the device ( 1 ) using a first module ( 2 ) in a first mode according to a more recent mobile radio standard, in particular the UMTS standard, and using a second module ( 3 ) is operated in a second mode in accordance with an older mobile radio standard, in particular the GSM standard, the first and the second module ( 2 , 3 ) forming two different hardware units. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first module ( 2 ) as a master module and the second module ( 3 ) are operated as a slave module. 3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data access to at least one smart card ( 4 ) inserted into the device ( 1 ) is made possible by means of both modules ( 2 , 3 ). 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that a UICC or a SIM is used as a smart card ( 4 ). 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first module ( 2 ) via a module card interface ( 5 ), in particular a UICC interface, accesses data of the smart card ( 4 ). 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that communication between the first and the second module ( 2 , 3 ) via a module-module interface ( 6 ) is made possible. 7. The method according to claim 5 and 6, characterized in that the data access from the second module ( 3 ) to the at least one smart card ( 4 ) via the first and second modules ( 2 , 3 ) connecting module-module interface ( 6 ) and the module-card interface ( 5 ) can take place and is controlled by the first module ( 2 ). 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that UICC and / or SIM data between the first and the second module ( 2 , 3 ) are sent without conversion. 9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that an AT interface ( 6 ) is selected as the module-module interface ( 6 ), which is preferably multiplexed. 10. Mobile telecommunications device, in particular for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 9 with at least a first module ( 2 ), in particular a UMTS module, for operating the device ( 1 ) according to a more recent Mo radio standard, in particular the UMTS Standard, and a second module ( 3 ), in particular a GSM module, for operating the device ( 1 ) according to an older mobile radio standard, in particular the GSM standard, the at least two modules ( 2 , 3 ) being separated in terms of hardware are formed from each other. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first module ( 2 ) are designed as a master module and the second module ( 3 ) as a slave module. 12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first and the second module ( 2 , 3 ) via a module-module interface ( 6 ) are able to communicate with each other. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the module-module interface ( 6 ) is designed as an AT interface ( 6 ). 14. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that a smart card ( 4 ) in the device ( 1 ) can be received, the data access to the smart card ( 4 ) by the at least two modules ( 2 , 3 ) light is. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the first module ( 2 ) via a module card interface ( 5 ), in particular a UICC interface, can be connected to the smart card ( 4 ). 16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the data access to the smart card ( 4 ) on the part of the second module ( 3 ) via the module-module interface ( 6 ), the first module ( 2 ) and the module Card interface ( 5 ) is enabled. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one fixed logical channel ( 6 e) of the AT interface ( 6 ) for UICC and / or SIM data transmission between the first and the second module ( 2 , 3 ) is provided is. 18. Device according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized by operating the AT interface ( 6 ) according to a multiplex method. 19. Device according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that in addition to the first module ( 2 ) and the second module ( 3 ) is designed to receive a smart card ( 14 ). 20. A computer program which cation device to a mobile telecommuni- (1), in particular according to one of claims 10 to 19, can take place such that the computer program together with the telecommunication device (1) the method of any of claims 1 performs up. 9 21. Computer program which can be loaded into a telecommunication device ( 1 ), in particular according to one of claims 10 to 19, so that the device ( 1 ) programmed in this way is capable or adapted to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 9. 22. Computer program product, which comprises a computer-readable storage medium on which a program is stored, which it enables a mobile telecommunications device ( 1 ), in particular in particular according to one of claims 10 to 19, after it has been loaded, the method according to to perform one of claims 1 to 9.