GB2396530A

GB2396530A - Wireless communication device comprising an auxiliary non-contact smart card

Info

Publication number: GB2396530A
Application number: GB0229922A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Klaus Pai; Volker Martschink
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2002-12-20
Filing date: 2002-12-20
Publication date: 2004-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-20
Also published as: AU2003298296A1; WO2004057890A3; GB2396530B; GB0229922D0; WO2004057890A2

Abstract

A wireless communication device 100, such as a cellular phone, comprises a receiver for receiving primary communication signals and a transmitter for transmitting primary communication signals and a signal processor is operable coupled to the receiver and the transmitter for controlling the primary communication through a primary antenna 102. The wireless communication device further comprises a non-contact (also called wireless) smartcard (130) operable coupled to the signal processor and providing a secondary smart card communication link, which may be via an additional antenna 150. The smart card may be replaced by a smart card emulator (140) which is a device which externally appears to act as a smart card. Multiple applications may be programmed into the smart card and the smart card may be programmed through the wireless communication device.

Description

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE, ASSOCIATED SMARTCARD AND

METHOD OF OPERATION THEREFOR

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to increasing the functionality of a wireless communication device. The invention is applicable to, but not limited to, providing enhanced Smartcard functionality in a wireless communication 10 device, such as a cellular phone.

Background of the Invention

Recent developments in wireless technology, primarily in 15 the area of wireless local loop (WLL), have resulted in a new wireless device known as a Smartcard. Smartcards are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, it is known that Smartcards are used in electronic ticketing, time systems, and access control.

20 Furthermore, the Smartcards are also used as a data storage function, for example containing biometric data, social security information or user profile information when used in a mobile phone. In addition, Smartcards are being increasingly used in electronic purse functions 25 such as retail, public transport ticketing, ski passport, telephone, roadtolling, vending and parking.

Current Smartcards are known to have more functionality than just memory. For example, some Smartcards are 30 designed to communicate with a Smartcard reader. In this regard, the Smartcard is designed to include a wireless interface to the reader. The type of memory used in Smartcards is also varied. For example, Smartcards are

known to include random access memory (RAM) and/or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), typically used for application related data such as soft-money, codes, etc. or read-only memory 5 (ROM), typically used to store card personality data.

Prior to a user being able to use functions or data provided by a particular Smartcard, the Smartcard must be initialized. Currently, Smartcards have to be purchased 10 (or leased). Additionally the customer may be forced to initialize such a card before use, e.g. by payment of a tax, fee, etc. At the point of sale (or lease), the Smartcards are programmed. A Smartcard reader may subsequently change the information that has been stored 15 on the card after it has been used.

However, the inventors of the present invention have recognized and appreciated that this approach to initializing Smartcards has significant drawbacks. For 20 example, one Smartcard is required for each Smartcard application. This requires the user to keep several Smartcards. Similarly, a user would require different Smartcards for, say, parking and for entering a concert, when both events may occur within a few minutes.

In the field of cellular phone technology, it is known

that one or more processors within the phone may be re-

programmed so that a cellular phone operates with new or updated features. Current cellular phones are often 30 provided with a removable memory device, termed a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. The SIM card stores user-profile information and may be inserted into other cellular phones so that the user is able to access

the same user-profile information whichever phone is being used. It is also known that such re-programming of SIM cards with user-specific data can be performed using over-the-air (OTA) programming technology.

Thus, there exists a need in the field of the present

invention to improve the functionality and versatility of a Smartcard, wherein the abovementioned disadvantages may be alleviated.

Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication 15 device, as claimed in Claim 1.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a Smartcard, as claimed in Claim 12.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an integrated circuit, as claimed in Claim 13.

25 In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of programming a wireless Smartcard, as claimed in Claim 14.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present 30 invention, there is provided a storage medium, as claimed in Claim 16.

In summary, the present invention provides for increased

functionality of a wireless communication device, such as a mobile phone or two-way radio, by provision of an enhanced wireless Smartcard. The increased functionality 5 results from providing an interface and an additional wireless communication link to a wireless Smartcard located within or operably coupled to the wireless communication device.

10 In this manner, a user is able to use the wireless communication device in a standard operational manner, as well as to configure the wireless communication device to function in an additional mode of operation to support Smartcard-related applications. A first embodiment

15 provides for a single re-programmable Smartcard to be located within, or operably coupled to, the wireless communication device, where the Smartcard is able to be re-programmed via the wireless communication device. A second embodiment provides a wireless communication 20 device, which is configured to include a Smartcard emulator that simulates the functionality of a multi-

function (multi-application) Smartcard.

In the context of the present invention, the Smartcard or 25 simulated Smartcard is termed 'wireless' as it is preferably configured to operate with its own antenna.

In this manner, the limitations of the known technique of purchasing or leasing a pre-defined Smartcard are removed. It is envisaged that the enhanced wireless communication device may, for example, operate in the following manner.

If a user wants to enter a secure building, a Smartcard

reader would establish a link to the appropriate Smartcard to check if the required data contained in the Smartcard permits access. By simulating the functionality of a Smartcard in the wireless 5 communication device (e.g. a phone), or by providing a single re- programmable Smartcard within the device, the appropriate secure key is preferably sent to the wireless communication device. The key is then preferably loaded into the Smartcard or Smartcard emulator, which would 10 establish a wireless link to the smart card reader. The Smartcard reader would then be able to provide the user with access to the building (assuming the access code is correct), due primarily to the provision of the enhanced wireless communication device.

In an enhanced embodiment of the present invention, the alternate Smartcard communication link includes an additional air interface that allows the Smartcard a separate communication (to that of the primary wireless 20 communications link) to a Smartcard system. Thereby, the additional air-interface enables the Smartcard or Smartcard emulator to create and/or change its data content over-the-air by using the communication device (cellular phone) as an interface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying 30 drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication device, incorporating an enhanced wireless Smartcard in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 5 FIG. 2 shows a Smartcard Operating System Architecture provided by the Smartcard or Smartcard emulator device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; and 10 FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a Smartcard transaction process in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Description of Preferred Rmhodimentn

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention functionality of a wireless communication device, such as a mobile/cellular phone or two-way radio, is enhanced with the functionality of a 20 wireless Smartcard. In a first embodiment of the present invention, this enhanced functionality is achieved by implementing a Smartcard chip, preferably including a Smartcard-specific (second) antenna operably coupled to the Smartcard chip, within the communication device. In 25 a second embodiment of the present invention, a Smartcard emulator is incorporated into the communication device.

In the context of the present invention, the term Smartcard', when applied to the wireless communication 30 device, encompasses the first embodiment of a separate Smartcard chip and/or the second embodiment of a Smartcard emulator. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, the hereinafter description of a

second communication link using a second antenna encompasses any appropriate wireless communication link to the Smartcard, for example, an electromagnetic field

arrangement in a wireless local loop (WLL)-based system.

It is envisaged that the user interface of the communication device will also act as an interface between the Smartcard and a remote Smartcard reader. In this regard, the communication device facilitates the re 10 programming of the Smartcard utilising a processor within the Smartcard integrated circuit (IC) chip.

Alternatively, the communication device's signal processor, together with the device's user interface facilitates the (re-)programming of the Smartcard. By 15 utilizing the functionality of the communication device in this way, there is no need for a user to purchase multiple Smartcards. Furthermore, initialization of each and every Smartcard is made obsolete.

20 Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a wireless communication device 100 is illustrated, for example a wireless cellular phone. The wireless communication device 100 is adapted to support the inventive concepts of the present invention.

The wireless communication device 100 contains a primary antenna 102 for radiating signals to, or receiving electromagnetic signals from, a wireless remote communication unit, as known in the art. In a similar 30 manner to the known art, the primary antenna 102 is preferably coupled to a duplex filter or antenna switch 104 that provides isolation between receive and transmit chains within the wireless communication device 100.

The receiver chain includes receiver front-end circuitry 106 (effectively providing reception, filtering and intermediate or baseband frequency conversion). The 5 front-end circuit 106 scans signal transmissions from the wireless remote communication unit (not shown). The front-end circuit 106 is serially coupled to a signal processing function (processor, generally realized by a DSP) 108. The signal processing function 108 also 10 preferably performs the final receiver operations including a baseband back-end processor function. The signal processing function 108 is preferably operably coupled to a display 110 (as part of a user interface) to indicate Smartcard processing operations and/or a 15 Smartcard status to a user.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the signal processing function 108 is operably coupled to a Smartcard 130. The functionality and 20 circuitry of a preferred Smartcard configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Smartcard 130 may be inserted via receptacle 135 into the wireless communication device 100. A skilled artisan would appreciate that many 25 configurations exist operably coupling a Smartcard to the wireless communication device's circuitry, and that the receptacle-based configuration is a preferred example only. 30 In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the signal processing function 108 is operably coupled to a Smartcard emulator module 140. The Smartcard functionality of the Smartcard emulator is

shown in FIG. 2. The Smartcard emulator module 140 simulates the performance and functionality of a Smartcard. The Smartcard emulator module 140 is operably coupled to the signal processor function 108 of the 5 wireless communication device 100 to facilitate data transfer. Furthermore, the Smartcard emulator module 140 is operably coupled to the communication device's user interface 120. In this manner, the Smartcard emulator module 140 may be programmed or re-programmed via the 10 user interface 120.

Alternatively, it is envisaged that the Smartcard emulator module 140 may be a stand-alone application, which resides external to the wireless communication 15 device 100. In this scenario, the Smartcard emulator module 140 is preferably still operably coupled to the wireless communication device, to benefit from its functionality. 20 The Smartcard 130 or Smartcard emulator module 140 is preferably programmed with each relevant application and/or Smartcard code required by the user. For example Smartcard key codes for parking, or Smartcard-based access codes and payment authorization codes to effect 25 ticketing purchases, eta will be programmed into the Smartcard 130 or Smartcard emulator module 140. Once the Smartcard 130 or Smartcard emulator module 140 has been programmed in this manner, the Smartcard 130 or Smartcard emulator module 140 associated with the wireless 30 communication unit 100 will effectively function as a multiple form of a standard Smartcard, each Smartcard application in the manner expected by the particular Smartcard system.

In accordance with an enhanced embodiment of the present invention, it is envisaged that either the first embodiment with a re-programmable Smartcard module, or 5 the second embodiment with a Smartcard emulator, is operably coupled to a second antenna 150. The second antenna provides the additional functionality of a second communication link between the Smartcard circuitry of the wireless communication device 100 and a remote Smartcard 10 reader (not shown). The remote Smartcard reader operates in, and interfaces with, a remote Smartcard system.

Thus, in the enhanced embodiment, all of the air-

interface communication with the respective Smartcard reader of the Smartcard system, may be performed via 15 Smartcard based components and the second antenna 150 within the wireless communication device 100.

In this regard, the Smartcard of the wireless communication device 100 is able to set up a 20 supplementary communication channel to the wireless communication device's primary channel. For simplicity purposes only, the additional communication circuitry that facilitates the Smartcard communication with a remote Smartcard reader is not shown. It is envisaged 25 that standard Smartcard technology can be re-used in this regard within or operably coupled to the wireless communication device, i. e. wireless local loop (WLL) or Bluetooth _ technology.

30 The supplementary communication channel in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a short-range Bluetooth _ communication channel. As such, the supplementary communication channel is configured to be

operational at a distal operating frequency and at a significantly reduced power level to that of the primary communication channel. In this manner, the supplementary communication channel does not interfere with the primary 5 communications of the wireless communication device 100 For completeness, the wireless communication device 100 further comprises a controller 114, which is preferably operably coupled to the front-end circuitry 106 so that 10 the receiver can calculate receive bit-errorrate (BER) or frame-error-rate (PER) or similar link-quality measurement data from recovered information via a received signal strength indication (RSSI) 112 function.

The RSSI 112 function is operably coupled to the front 15 end circuit 106. It is envisaged that similar transceiver circuitry (not shown) and associated functionality may be coupled/provided to the Smartcard circuit and signal processor function 108, for example in a Bluetooth implementation. A memory device 116 stores 20 a wide array of devicespecific data, such as decoding/encoding functions, timing details, neighbour and serving cell information relating to timing, channels, power control and the like.

25 A timer 118 is operably coupled to the controller 114 to control the timing of operations, namely the transmission or reception of timedependent signals, within the wireless communication device 100. For completeness, in broad terms, the transmit chain of the wireless 30 communication unit essentially includes a user input device 120, such as a keypad or keyboard. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention,

the mobile phone provides, via the keypad, an interface between the user and the Smartcard.

A further advantage of the inventive concepts herein 5 described is that enhanced Smartcard applications can be performed in an efficient and userfriendly manner. For example, Smartcard applications that entail the loading of data and/or electronic purchasing of goods over-the-

air can be performed more effectively using the 10 additional airinterface and user interface capabilities of the wireless communication device 100.

The user input device 120 is preferably coupled in series through the signal processor function 108, transmitter/ 15 modulation circuitry 122 and a power amplifier 124. The processor 108, transmitter/ modulation circuitry 122 and the power amplifier 124 are operationally responsive to the controller, with an output from the power amplifier coupled to the duplex filter or antenna switch 104, as 20 known in the art.

In accordance with the preferred Bluetooth _ embodiment of the present invention, similar transceiver circuitry is implemented for the Smartcard operations, albeit on a 25 smaller scale due to the short-range (and hence lower power) nature of the preferred Bluetooth _ communication.

It is envisaged that the signal processor function 108 in the transmit chain may be implemented as distinct from 30 the processor in the receive chain. Alternatively, a single processor 108 may be used to implement processing of both transmit and receive signals, as shown in FIG. 1.

Of course, the various components within the wireless communication device 100 can be realised in discrete or integrated component form, with an ultimate structure therefore being merely an arbitrary selection.

More generally, the adaptation of a wireless communication device 100 associated with the preferred embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, new apparatus may be 10 added to a conventional wireless communication device 100, or alternatively existing parts of a conventional communication unit may be adapted, for example by reprogramming one or more processors therein. As such the required adaptation may be implemented in the form of 15 processor-implementable instructions stored on a storage medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, PROM, RAM or any combination of these or other storage multimedia.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are described 20 with reference to a wireless communication device such as a cellular phone capable of operating in say, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) or a global system for mobile communication (GSM) air-interface. However, it is envisaged that the aforementioned wireless 25 communication device in the preferred embodiment of the present invention may, for example in alternative embodiments, be any one of: a cellular phone, a portable or mobile radio, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer or a wirelessly networked personal computer 30 (PC).

It is noteworthy that the wireless Smartcard is distinct and functionally very different from the subscriber

identity module (SIM) card currently used in cellular phones to store user profiles. The Smartcard is a stand-

alone device that communicates/interacts in its own right with a remote communication Smartcard system. The 5 information interchange with a Smartcard is notably contact-less, which is either emulated by a first embodiment of the present invention, or physically installed within the mobile phone/radio in a second embodiment of the present invention. In this regard, the 10 Smartcard is able to influence the remote Smartcard system. In contrast, current SIM technology provides a limited portable memory function. Indeed, a SIM card is not intended for use, say, as a pass for entering a building. Although the preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to using a supplementary communication channel, for example a Bluetooth short-

range radio connection, it is within the contemplation of 20 the invention that any other communication link may be used by the Smartcard system. Bluetooth is used in the preferred embodiment as it offers a high date rate and fast response protocol that is suited to some of the embodiments described.

It is also envisaged that the Smartcard function may be active or passive. In this regard, the Smartcard functionality may be configured to be available when the wireless communication unit is switched on or switched 30 off. Advantageously, in this context, the user of the wireless communication device does not need to switch on the wireless communication device to benefit from the wireless communication device's enhanced Smartcard

i capabilities. For example, a user wishing to gain access to a building where authorization is required is able to obtain and authenticate a key code using the Smartcard function on, say a cellular phone, without switching on 5 the cellular phone.

It is envisaged that further applications would include, for example, the wireless purchase and downloading of transport (buses, trains, tram) tickets, etc. Further 10 applications in terms of ticket purchases may encompass, for example, theatres, movies, ski lifts, etc., as illustrated in FIG. 3.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the 15 present invention, a wireless communication device's Smartcard Architecture 200 is also described, as shown in relation to FIG. 2. The Smartcard Architecture 200 functions as the re-programmable Smartcard 130 of FIG. 1, or as the Smartcard emulator 140 of FIG. 1.

In the context of the present invention, the Smartcard architecture 200 may be implemented on an integrated circuit (IC), for example an application (Smartcard)-

specific IC (ASIC). The Smartcard Architecture is 25 preferably divided into two distinct areas: (i) A Smartcard Operating System (OS) Core 202; and (ii) Smartcard OS Applications 204.

The Smartcard OS Core 202 includes hardware resources 206 that comprise a processing unit 208. The processing unit 208 is operably coupled to one or more memory modules,

such as a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NV-RAM), Random Access Memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) 210. The one or more memory modules are preferably coupled to a crypto engine 212, to provide for secure 5 communication to a Smartcard reader.

The Smartcard OS Core 202 also preferably includes hardware interfaces 214, which comprise a physically-

contacted interface 216 and a physically-contactless 10 interface 218. In addition, the Smartcard OS Core 202 includes platform low-level drivers 220 having transmission protocol 224 and anti-collision functions 226. Platform middleware level (card application) services 230 are also provided, including anapplication 15 manager and interface 232 and an ISO secure messaging layer 234, as known to those skilled in the art.

In summary, the aforementioned Smartcard configuration

forms the Smartcard OS core and provides the following 20 services: (i) Communication: via a communication driver (not shown) and protocol stack; and (ii) Middleware: made of an optional message 25 ciphering/deciphering layer and a message routing that directs data to/from the proper application to/from the Smartcard. The Smartcard OS Application 204 includes a platform 30 native application (Card management) function 240. This platform native application function 240 includes an initialization function 242, an easy entry function 246 and an administration function 248. Custom application

(product specific) functions 250 are provided, including E-purse 252 and Transport 254.

The Smartcard Operating System 200 ensures the 5 administration and the security of the secured file system mapped in the Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NV-RAM) 210. The Operating System Core features the services used by the various applications that are implemented on top of the Smartcard OS core and that use 10 its resources. As known in the art, a transaction using a Smartcard is basically a succession of elementary read and write operations/ instructions on data stored in the NV-RAM 210 of the Smartcard 200.

15 It is within the contemplation of the invention that alternative Smartcard architectures, other than that described with reference to FIG. 2, could be used that would still benefit from the inventive concepts herein described. Referring now to FIG. 3, one example of a transaction mechanism utilizing the inventive concepts of the present invention is described. The preferred example is illustrated by means of a flowchart 300. A user of a 25 wireless communication device accesses a remote database, say the Internet, to obtain details of a ticket-based pass', in step 310. Such ticket-based passes would include train, ski-passes, car parking, etc. 30 The mobile phone then purchases the ticket, via the user interface and the primary (say UMTS or GPRS) communication path, as shown in step 320. The mobile phone then receives one or more downloaded Smartcard

code(s), following the ticket purchase via the Internet, as shown in step 330.

Once the mobile phone has received the downloaded 5 Smartcard codes, the mobile phone is able to accordingly program the Smartcard or emulated Smartcard, within the mobile phone, as shown in step 340. Hence, when the user wishes to use the purchased ticket, the user of the mobile phone is able to use the Smartcard and the 10 supplementary communication channel to gain access to the train, ski lift, car park, etc., as in step 350.

In a similar vein, it is also envisaged that numerous, substantially simultaneous, Smartcard-based applications 15 may use the inventive configuration(s) herein described.

For example, simultaneous key functions for a car, bus ticket, etc. could be stored. Furthermore, any Smartcard payment may also be effected using any electronic wireless payment mechanism. Thus, any known integrated 20 payment solution could be used. In this regard, a wireless payment mechanism may be implemented direct from a simulated or re-programmed Smartcard, via a user interface of the cellular phone, as described in FIG. 3.

25 It is envisaged that another useful application would include the possibility that downloaded Smartcard data can be subsequently forwarded to another wireless communication device, such as another cellular phone. In this manner, the provision of the enhanced Smartcard 30 functionality enables, for example, a user to re-use a monthly bus ticket for his/her family, or re-use group tickets on a train, i.e. by forwarding Smartcard information from one phone to another. It is envisaged

that such an application could be implemented by sending, to a second user, the key-code of a car via the user-

interface of the mobile phone and the primary communication channel. This would enable the second user 5 to have the same access privileges as the first user.

It is also envisaged that regular automatic updates of the Smartcard application and/or Smartcard codes is possible, for example by transferring the validity 10 information for electronic fee collection systems (subscription) to the phone on a monthly basis.

The inventors of the present invention also envisage that a further useful application of the inventive concepts 15 herein described would be the automatic turn-off of the mobile phone, or switching to a vibration alarm, at, say, a check-in at a theatre or whilst boarding an airplane.

A remote Smartcard reader (preferably also operational as a Smartcard writer), upon receiving a trigger, may thus 20 control the operational status of the wireless communication device. A yet further application of the aforementioned inventive concepts

includes location-based services, for example 25 with a security guard. In this scenario, using a combined Smartcard reader/writer with the embedded smart card emulator, it is possible to transmit location information to a central location. The location information may comprise part of, say, a status message, 30 indicating the location of the security guard. The message may be transmit to the central location via the security guard's mobile phone or portable radio. In this manner, it is possible to track a location of a

person/guard based on a series of fixed Smartcard readers/writers, for example installed on walls that the security guard is patrolling. A skilled artisan will appreciate that many other applications could utilise 5 these inventive concepts.

It will be understood that the wireless communication device, Smartcard and methods of performing a Smartcard-

based transaction, as described above, provide at least 10 one or more of the following advantages: (i) Enables multiple Smartcard applications/codes to be dynamically programmed into a Smartcard, via a wireless communication device. Thus, a user is able to 15 use a single Smartcard for a number of applications.

(ii) A user is able to receive and store relevant information in a dynamic manner, for example by programming a Smartcard via a cellular phone, to enable 20 the user to employ the Smartcard in a variety of different Smartcard systems.

(iii) A user is able to read Smartcard information on a device's display, by the Smartcard or 25 Smartcard emulator accessing information from a Smartcard reader/writer and transmit this information over a cellular or radio air interface.

It will, of course, be understood that a Smartcard or 30 wireless communication device as described above will typically be constructed around one or more integrated circuits that are adapted to provide the required functionality.

Whilst specific, and preferred, implementations of the present invention are described above, it is clear that one skilled in the art could readily apply variations and 5 modifications of such inventive concepts.

Thus, a wireless communication device and an associated Smartcard or Smartcard emulator located within the communication device and method of programming a wireless 10 Smartcard have been provided whereby the problems associated with prior art arrangements have been

substantially alleviated.

Claims

Claims 1. A wireless communication device (100), for example a cellular

phone or two-way radio, comprising: 5 a receiver for receiving primary communication signals; and/or a transmitter for transmitting primary communication signals; and a signal processor (108) operably coupled to the 10 receiver and/or transmitter to control primary communications; the wireless communication device characterized by: a wireless Smartcard (130, 140), operably coupled to the signal processor (108) and providing a secondary 15 Smartcard communication link of said wireless communication device (100).
2. The wireless communication device (100) according to Claim 1, the wireless communication device further 20 characterized by said wireless Smartcard being at least one re-programmable Smartcard (130) such that the Smartcard is configured to be re-programmed by said signal processor (108).

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3. The wireless communication device (100) according to Claim 1, the wireless communication device further characterized by said wireless Smartcard being a Smartcard emulator function (140) such that the Smartcard emulator function (140) simulates a Smartcard operation 30 under control of said signal processor (108).
4. The wireless communication device (100) according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, the wireless communication device further characterized by: a user interface, operably coupled to the signal 5 processor (108), to facilitate user-control of the wireless communication device (100); wherein said wireless Smartcard is configured for operation in response to Smartcard programming signals received via said receiver of said wireless communication device 10 (100).
5. The wireless communication device (100) according to any of preceding Claims 2 to 4, the wireless communication device further characterized by said user 15 interface acting as an interface between said Smartcard or said Smartcard emulator such that a user of said communication device (100) is able to (re-)program said Smartcard or said Smartcard emulator via said user interface.
6. The wireless communication device (100) according to any of preceding Claims 2 to 5, the wireless communication device further characterized by said Smart card comprising a, or operably coupled to said wireless 25 communication device's, transmitter, such that said Smartcard is configured to effect over-the-air purchasing of goods from a remote terminal.
7. The wireless communication device (100) according 30 to Claim 6, wherein said Smartcard is operably coupled to said wireless communication device's transmitter, such that said wireless communication device (100) is configured to forward Smartcard data, for example a

security key, to and for use by another wireless communication device.
8. The wireless communication device (100) according 5 to any of preceding Claims 2 to 7, the wireless communication device further characterized by said Smartcard comprising a, or operably coupled to said wireless communication device's, receiver, such that said Smartcard is configured to receive over-the-air updates 10 of Smartcard data from a remote Smartcard system.
9. The wireless communication device (100) according to any preceding Claim, the wireless communication device further characterized by said Smartcard being configured 15 to function when the wireless communication device (100) is switched off.
10. The wireless communication device (100) according to any preceding Claim, the wireless communication device 20 further characterized in that it is able to function as one or more of: a cellular phone, a portable or mobile radio, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer or a wirelessly networked personal computer (PC).

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11. The wireless communication device (100) according to any preceding Claim, the wireless communication device (100) further characterized in that it supports operation in a global system for mobile (GSM) communication system or a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) .
12. A Smartcard (104) adapted for use in the wireless communication device (100) according to any of the preceding Claims.
13. An integrated circuit adapted for use in a Smartcard according to any of the preceding Claims.

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14. A method of programming a wireless Smartcard (300) located within or operably coupled to a wireless communication device, the method characterized by the steps of: receiving (330) one or more Smartcard code(s), at 10 the wireless communication device (100); and programming (340) the wireless Smartcard, via the wireless communication device (100) with said one or more Smartcard code(s) to enable a user to use (350) the one or more Smartcard code(s).
15. The method of programming a wireless Smartcard (300) according to Claim 14, wherein said wireless Smartcard is at least one re-programmable Smartcard (130) or a Smartcard emulator function (140).
16. A storage medium (116) storing processor-

implementable instructions for use in the wireless communication device of any of Claims 1 to 11, for use in the Smartcard of Claim 12 or for controlling one or more 25 processors to carry out the method of Claim 14 or 15.
17. A wireless communication device (100) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated by, FIG. 1 of the accompanying 30 drawings.
18. A Smartcard (200) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated by, FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings.

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19. A method (300) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated by, FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings.