WO2004107718A1

WO2004107718A1 - Personal information protection method, personal information protection program, and cellular phone terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2004107718A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/050872
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yutaka Yamada
Original assignee: Motorola Inc; Motorola Limited
Priority date: 2003-06-02
Filing date: 2004-05-20
Publication date: 2004-12-09
Also published as: JP4347610B2; JP2004363732A

Abstract

To provide a personal information protection method, personal information protection program, and cellular phone terminal with a reduced possibility of personal information loss. The personal information stored in an SIM card that is positioned in a cellular phone terminal is acquired via an incorporation interface section and stored in a personal information memory. The SIM card ejected from the cellular phone terminal is inserted into an SIM card holder and carried by the user. When the SIM card is removed from the cellular phone terminal, the cellular phone terminal's control section determines whether the SIM card holder is within a predetermined range from the cellular phone terminal. If the SIM card holder is within the predetermined range, the control section enables the cellular phone terminal to function using the personal information in the personal information memory. If, on the other hand, the SIM card holder is not within the predetermined range, the control section denies access to the personal information in the personal information memory.

Description

PERSONAL INFORMATION PROTECTION METHOD, PERSONAL INFORMATION PROTECTION PROGRAM, AND CELLULAR PHONE TERMINAL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a personal information protection method, a personal information protection program, and a cellular phone terminal

[0002] In recent years, cellular phone terminals based on a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) method have been used. An SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, which is a kind of memory card, is installed in the GSM cellular phone. The SIM card scores personal information, including the cellular phone number, user ID, and phone book entries. When the SIM card is installed in a GSM cellular phone, the phone functions as a cellular phone terminal for the owner of the SIM card. Therefore, when the cellular phone terminal becomes inoperative due to a fault, dead battery, or other hardware failure, the owner's phone number, phone book, entries, and other information stored in the SIM card can be accessed by installing the SIM card in another cellular phone terminal .

[0003] However, the cellular phone terminal may be lost or stolen. If the cellular phone terminal is lost or stolen, the personal information and other data stored in the SIM card may be abused because the SIM card is housed inside the cellular phone terminal. The above problem can be avoided by the use of a technology for preventing the loss of personal information stored in the SIM card. This technology s disclosed, for instance, by Patent Document 1.

[0004] Patent Document 1 states that if the cellular phone terminal into which the SIM card is inserted is lost or stolen, the owner of the SIM card ca transmit an invalidation code to the cellular phone terminal from another phone, which locks the information stored in the SIM card, making it unavailable.

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent JP-A No. 177682/1999.

[0006] However, when the technology disclosed by Patent Document 1 is used to prevent the personal information loss, the SIM card owner or other person has to transmit an invalidation code. In other words, if no one learns that the SIM card is lost or stolen, the SIM card information w ll not be locked. It is therefore possible that the personal information stored in the SIM card may be lost before invalidation code transmission.

[0007] The present invention solves the abo"e problems, and provio.es a personal information protection method, personal information protection program, and cellular phone terminal that are capable of reducing the possibility of personal information loss.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] To solve the above problems, one aspect of tne present invention, which is defined by claim 1, provides a personal information protection method of providing personal information protection for a cellular phone terminal that comprises storage means capable of storing personal information stored in a memory card; a first interface for providing wired transmission/reception in relation to the memory card' a second interface for providing wireless transmission/ reception in relation to the memory card; and control means for controlling the storage means. The control means includes a recording step for connecting to the iemory card via the first interface, reading the personal information from the memory card, ard writing the personal information into the storage means; a detection step for causing the control means to perform a process for detecting the memory carα "ia the second _nterface when the memory card is disconnected from the first interface; and a protecticn processing step for performing a protection process, n accordance with the result of the αetection step, to protect personal information stored in the storage means.

[0009] Ir another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 2, the detection step of the personal information Protection method according to claim 1 performs a process for detecting the memory card at predetermined time intervals .

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined oy claim 3, the protection process of the personal information protection method according to claim 1 or 2 is performed when the memory card cannot be detected and the control means receives a command signal for reading the personal information.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 4, the detection step of the personal information protection method according to claim 1 performs a process for detecting the memo y card when the control mea s receives a comrsnd signal for reading the personal information .

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, whicn is defineα by claim 5, the protection process of tne personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 comprises at least a first protection process and a second protection process. If the memory card cannot be detected via the second interface after the first protection process is performed for the storage means, the personal information protection method proceeds to perform the second protection process .

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, which is αefined by claim 6, the protection process of the personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 includes a process for refusing the execution of a process for storage means in which the personal information is recorded.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 7, the protection process of the personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 incluαes a process for erasing the personal information recorded in the storage reans .

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined oy cla.m 8, the protection process of the personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 is a warning process for stating the protection of personal information.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, wh cn is defined by claim 9, the personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 turther includes a writing step for causing the control means to add information updated by the storage means to the memory card via the first interface when the memory card can be detected via the second interface.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 10, provides a parsona. information protection program for providing personal information protection for a cellular phone termnal that comprises storage means capable of storing personal information stored in a memory card; a first interface for providing wired transmission/reception in relation to the memory caid; a second interface for providing wireless transmission/reception in relation to the enory card; and control means for controlling the storage means. Tne personal information protection program causes the control means to function as recording means for connecting to tne memory card via the first interface, reading the personal information from the memory card, and writing the personal information into the storage means; detection means for detecting the memory card via the second interface when the memory card is disconnected from the first interface; and protection processing means fo performing a protection process, in accordance with the result of the detection, to protect personal information stored in the storage means.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 11, the personal information protection program accnrdirg to claim 10 causes the detection means tc perform a process for detecting the memory card at predetermined time intervals.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 12, the persoral information protection program according to claim 10 or 11 performs tne protection process when the memory card cannot be detected and the control means receives a command signal for reading the personal information.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 13, the personal information protection program according to claim 10 causes the detection means to perform a process for detecting the memory card when the control means receives a command signal for reading the peisonal information,

[0021] In another aspect of tne present invention, which s defineα by claim 14, the protectior process of the personal information protection program according to claim 10, 11, 12, or 13 comprises at least a first protection process and a second protection process. The personal information protection program performs the first protection process for the storage means. If the menory card cannot be detected via the second _nterface after the first protection process, the personal information protection program proceeds to perform the second protection process.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined oy claim 15, the protection process of the personal information protectior. program according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 includes a process for refusing the execution of a process for storaqe means in which the personal information is recorded.

t0023] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 16, the protection process of the personal information protection prcgram according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, cr 15 includes a process for erasing the personal information recorded in the storage means.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined oy claim 17, the protection process of the personal information protection program according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 is a warning process for stating the protection of personal information.

[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 18, the protection process of the personal information protection program according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17 causes the control means to further function as -writing means for aadmg information updated by the storage neans to tne memory card via the first interface wnen the memory card can be detected v a the second interface .

[0026] Another aspect of tne present invention, which is defmec by claim 19, provides a cellular phone terminal tnat comprises storage means capable of storing personal information stored m a memory card; a first interface for providing wired transmission/reception in relation to the memory card; a second interface for providing wireless transmission/reception in relation to the memory card; and control means fcr controlling the storage means. The control means comprises recording means for connecting to the memory card via the first interface, reading the personal information from the memory card, and writing the personal information nto the storage means; detection means for detecting the memory card via the second interface when the memory carα is disconnected from the first interface; and protection processing means for performing a protection process, in accordance with the result of the detection, to protect personal information stored in the storage means.

[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, wn ch is defined by claim 20, the detection means of the cellular phone terminal according to claim 19 performs a process for detecting the memory card at predetermined time intervals.

[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined πy claim 21, the protection process of the cellular phone terminal accorαing to claim 19 or 20 is performed when the memory card cannot be detected and the control means receives a command signal for reading the personal information.

[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, wh cn is defined by claim 22, the detection means of the cellular phone terminal according to claim 19 performs a process for detecting the memory card when the control means receives a command signal for reading tne personal information.

[0030] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 23, the protection process of the cellular phone terminal according to claims 19 through 22 comprises at least a first protection process and a second protection process. The cellu_ar phone terminal performs the first protection process for the storage means. If the memory card cannot be detected via the second interface after the first protection process, the cellular phone terminal proceeds to perform the second protectior. process,

[0031] In another aspect of tne present invention, which is defined by claim 24, the protection process of the cellular phone terminal according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 includes a process for refusing the execution of a process for storage means m which the personal information is recorded.

[0032] In another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 25, the protection process of the cellular phone terminal according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 includes a process for erasing the personal information recorded m the storage means.

[0033] In another aspect of tne present invention, which is defined by claim 26, the protection process of the cellular pho e terminal according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 is a warning process for stating the protection of personal information.

[0034] In stj.ll another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 27, the cellular phone terminal according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 2ό further comprises writing means for enabling the control means to add information updated by the storage means to the memory card via the first interface when the memory card can be detected via the second interface.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, which is defineα by claim 1, 10, or 19, the memory card in which personal information is recorded can be carried separately from the cellular phone terminal. Therefore, the memory card can be retained even when the cellular phone terminal is lost or stolen. [0036] Further, when the memory card is removed from the cellular phone terminal, the control means performs a memory card detection process. If the memory card detection result mαicates that the cellular phone terminal is away from a user who carries the memory card, a protection process is performed to protect the personal information stored in the storage means. In other words, when the cellular pnone terminal leaves the user, the orotection process is automatically performed on the personal information within the cellular phone terminal. Therefore, the possibility of personal information loss can be minimized.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, which s defined by claim 2, 11, or 20, the control means repeatedly performs a memory card detection process at prec.etermir.ed t me _ntervals. Therefore, ;nen the memory card is detected by the control means, the personal information is automatically protected even f the user does not know that the cellular phone terminal is not at hand. Thus, the possibility of personal information loss can be furtner reduced.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 3, 12, or 21, the protection process is not performed if the user intentionally leaves the cellular phone with the memory card removed from the cellular phone. When the personal information s to be abused, the storage means, in which the personal information is storeα, is generally subjected to a certain process after the user leaves the cellular phone. T.nere ore, if no process is performed on the storage means after the user leaves the cellular phone, the control means does not perform the protection process. As a result, it is possible to perform processing operations while reducing the frequency of detection process execution.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 4, 13, or 22, the memory card detection process is performed after a certain process is performed on the storage means in which personal information is stored. In accordance with the result of the memory carα detection process, the cellular phone terminal immediately protects the personal information if the user is away from tho cellular phone terminal, This makes it possible to further reduce the possibility of personal' information loss with increased e ectiveness while decreasing the frequency of αetection process execution.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 5, 14, or 23, the protection process can be gradually intensified in accordance with the elapsec time from the instant at which the cellular phone terminal leaves the user. This makes it possible to further reduce the possibility of personal information loss. In addition, the normal functionality of the cellular phone terminal can be promptly recovered if the cellular phone terminal s away from the user for a relatively short period of time. [0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 6, 15, or 24, no process is performed on the storage means, in which personal information is stored, if, for instance, detection s not achieved. It is therefore possible to reduce the possibility of personal information loss.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 7, 16, or 25, the personal information stored in the storage means is erased if detection is not achieved. Therefore, the personal information disappears from the celljlar phone terminal . However, the erased personal information exists in the memory card that is carried by the user. This makes it possible to further reduce the possibility of personal information loss from the cellular phone terminal. In addition, the personal information can be retained at hand.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, whicn is defined by claim 8, 17, or 26, tne warning process is performed to state the protection of personal information. This warning process alerts, for instance, tne user to the possibility of personal information loss from the cellular phone terminal. The possibility of personal information loss can therefore be recuced with increased effectiveness.

[0044] According to still another aspect of the present invention, which is defined by claim 9, 18, or 27, new personal information can be additionally stored in the memory card in which personal information has already been stored. It means that the information stored n the memory card can be updated as needed. Therefore, the new information can be derived from the updated memory carα even when the cellular phone terminal is lost or stolen.

ERIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG, 1 presents an external view cf a cellular phone terminal and an external view of an SIM card holder m accorαance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram, illustrating the electrical con iguration of the cellular phone terminal.

FIG 3 _s a data structure diagram illustrating the lnfo.matior stored in an SIM memory.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a personal information protection process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of an SIM carα confirmation process that is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows the contents of screens that appear on a display of the cellular phone terminal.

FIG. 7 illustrates the positional relationship between tne cellular phone terminal and SIM card holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0045] One embodiment of the present invention w ll now be described with reference to Figs. 1 through 7, As shown in FIG. 1, the cellular phone terminal 10 is a GSM cellular phone. The SIM card 20, which serves as a memory card, can be mounted in the cellular phone terminal 10. Voice communication can be established in accordance with the data stored m the SIM card 20 so that the cellular phone terminal 10 functions as a cellular phone. In the present embodiment, the SIM card 20 is usually housed in an SIM card holder 30 and carried by the user.

[0046] The cellular phone terminal 10 includes a plurality of buttons 11 and a display 12. The buttons 11 include a plurality of input buttons and a function buttcn. The input buttons are useα to enter the phone number or mail address of a remote party for communication. The function button is used to hang up the pho e or transmit /receive mail or the information about the communication status. The display 12 is output means for displaying a phone number, a mail address, the contents of mail, a schedule, and a rr.essage.

[0047] The cellular phone terminal 10 further comprises a loudspeaker ivoice reception means) 13, a microphone (voice transmission means) 14, and an antenna 15. The loudspeaker 13 outputs the voice of a party at the other end of the telephone line. The microphone 14 inputs a voice that is generated oy the user. The antenna 15 is used to establish wireless communica ion with a base station (not shown) and transmit/receive a telephone call voice signal, a mail data signal, and other signals.

[0048] The SIM card 20 can be housed in the cellular phone terminal 10. The SIM card 20 is inserted into or removeα fio an insertion slct (not shewn) . Further, the antenna (net shown) for communicating with the SIM card holder 30 is incorporated in the cellular phone terminal 10.

[0049] The electrical configuration of the cellular phone terminal 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. The cellular phone terminal 10 comprises a control section 100, a ROM 101, a personal information memory 102, an ιncorporat_cn interface section 1C3, and a detection interface section 104. In the present embodiment, the control section 100 functions as detection means, recording means, or control means. The personal information memory 102 functions as storage means. The incorporation interface section 103 functions as a first interface. The detection interface section 104 functions as a second interface.

[0050] The ROM 101 stores a personal information protection program and various other programs. The control section 100 includes a RAM (not shown). The control section 100 performs various processes (such as a process incluαing a recording step, a detection step, and a protection processing step) to exercise sectional control n accordance with various programs stored in the ROM 101.

[0051] The personal information memory 102 is a storage section for storing personal information that is stored in the SIM card 20. The incorporation interface section 103 is a contact-type interface for providing wired transmission/reception in relation to the SIM card 20, which is mounted in the cellular phone terminal 10. More specifically, tlie control section 100 reads information from the SIM card 20, which is housed in the cellular phone terminal 10, via the incorporation interface section 103 and stores the read information m the personal information memory 102 or ../rites new information into the SIM card 20.

[0052] The detection interface section 104 uses a specified wireless band to function as an interface for providing wireless transmission/reception in relation to the SIM card holder 30. In the present embodiment, a 2.4 GHz wireless method based on the Bluetooth (trade name) technology is used. Therefore, the control section 100 uses the above wireless method to provide signal transmission/reception in relation to the SIM card holder 30 that is positioned within a predetermined range A (within a range, for instance, of approximately 10 m) .

[0053] The cellular phone terminal 10 also includes an operating control section 111, a display section 112, a loudspeaker section 113, a microphone section 114, and a telephone network communication section 115. The operating control section 111 includes the above-mentioned buttons 11 and supplies button signals to the control section 100 in accordance with the operations of the buttons 11. The display section 112 includes the above-mentioned display 12, receives signals from the control section 100, and displays various information on the display 12. The loudspeaker section 113 includes the above-mentioned loudspeaker 13, receives a signal from the control section 100, converts the received signal, and emits a vo ce from the loudspeaker 13. The microphone section 114 includes the above-mentioned microphone 14, receives a voice that enters the microphone 14, converts the received voice to a signal, and supplies the resulting signal to the control section 100. The telephone network communication section 115 comprises the above- mentioned antenna 15, a modulator, and a demodulator, and exchanges voice signals, mail signals, and other signals with the above-mentioned base station.

[0054] The SIM card 20 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. The SIM card 20 includes a circuit board 21, which comprises plastic and other parts, and a connector module 22, which is formed on a part of tne circuit board. A connector (connection terminal) is formed on the surface of the connector module 22. When the SIM card 20 is mounted in tne cellular phone terminal 10, this connector connects to the above-mentioned incorporation interface section 103.

[0055] The connector module 22 incorporates an SIM memory 23. The SIM memory 23 stores personal information 230 and access code data 240. The personal information 230 includes telephone identi ication data 231, mail address data 232, mail/phone book data 233, and schedule data 234. The

IS telephone identification data 231 is a number (e.g., phone number) for identifying the SIM card 20. Therefore, when the SIM card 20 s mounted in the cellular phone terminal 10, the cellular pnone terminal 10 functions as a terminal having the phone number that s recorded as the telephone identification data 231.

[0056] The mail address data 232 is the data about the mail address of the cellular phone terminal 10 for which the SIM card 20 is used. The mail/phone book data 233 includes the data about the phone numbers of remote parties for telephone communication and the mail addresses of mail recipients. The mail/phone book data 233 is entered by the user of the cellular phone terminal 10 via the buttons 11, stored in the SAM, and saved in the SIM memory 23. The schedule data 234 comprises calendar data, which comprises dates (years/ir.onths/days) and days of the week, and timetable data, which is entered via the buttons 11.

[0057] The access code data 240 is the data that the cellular phone terminal 10 uses to identify the SIM card holder 30 in which the SIM card is housed. The control section 100 sets the access code data 240 via the incorporation interface section 103. The access code data

240 is updated whenever the SIM carα 20 is mounted in the cellular phone terminal 10.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the SIM card holder 30, which retains the SIM card 20, has a space for housing the SIM card 20. This space is connected to the outside via the insertion slot 31. Ar eject button 32 is mounted next to the insertion slot. The eject button 32 is used to eject the SIM card 20 that is housed in the SIM card holder 30.

[0059] The SIM card holder 30 comprises a control section, a read section, and a transmission/reception section, which are not shown . The read section reads the access code data 240 from the SIM memory 23 of the SIM card 20, which is inserted into the SIM card holder 30, and supplies the read access code data to the control section. The transmission/reception section proviαes wireless transmission/reception in relation to t.ie cellular phone terminal 10 m accordance w th a signal from the control section. The control section controls the read section and transmission/reception section to exercise control over the transmission/reception of the access code data 240 in relation to the cellular phone terminal 10.

[0060] The oersonal information protection method according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. When the cellular phone terminal 10 is to be used, the SIM card 20 is first mounted in the cellular phone terminal 10 via the insertion slot. Ihe control section 100 of the cellular phone terminal 10 then detects the SIM card 20 that is mounted (step Sl-1). This detection process s performed via the incorporation interface section 103.

[0061] Ue..t, the control section 100 judges whether the telephone identification data 231 stored in the personal information memory 102 coincides with the telephone identification data 231 stored in the SIM card 20 that is mounteα (step Sl-2). More specifically, the control section 100 reads the telephone identification data 231, which is stored in the SIM memory 23 of the SIM card 20 that is mounted, via the incorporation interface section 103. The control section 100 then compares the read telephone identif cation data 231 against the telephone identi ication data 231 stored in the personal information memory 102.

[0062] If tne telephone identification data 231 do not coincide with each other (the answer to query step Sl-2 is NO) , the control section 100 reads the personal information 230 from the SIM memory 23 of tne SIM card 20 and stores the read ιnformat-on n the personal infor-nation memory 102 (step Sl-3) . The telephone identification data 231 conflict when, for instance, the personal information memory 102 stores no information or the telephone identification data 231 about a different SIM card 20.

[0063] Next, tne control section 100 sets the access code data 240 that is used for transmission/reception between the SIM card 20 and cellular phone terminal 10 (step Sl-4) . More specifically, the control section 100 f_rst generates a random number and then generates the access code data 2<.0 in accordance with the generated random number. Next, the control section 100 stores the generated access code data 240 in the personal information memory 102 and also stores it in the SIM memory 23 as the access code data 240. In this instance, the control section 100 outputs a removal permission screen 500 to the display 12. The removal permission screen 500 shows a message, prompting the user to insert the SIM card 20 into the SIM card holder 30.

[0064] For normal use of the cellular phone terminal 10, the mail address data 232, mail/phone book data 233, and schedule data 234 stored in the personal information memory 102 of the control section 100 are used. During such normal use of the cellular phone terminal 10, the user operates the buttons 11 to update the mail address data 232, mail/phone book data 233, and schedule data 234. The data updated in this manner are recorded in tne personal information memory 102 of the cellular phone terminal 10. If the telephone identification data 231 recorded in the personal information memory 102 of the cellular phone terminal 10 coincides with the telephone identi cation data 231 recorded in the mounted SIM card 20 (the answer to query step Sl-2 is ϊES) , the control section 100 updates the data recorded in the personal information memory 102 (step Sl-5). When the data in the SIM memory 23 is completely updated, the control section 100 opens the removal permission screen 500, which is shown in FIG. 6.

[0065] If the user subsequently removes the SIM card 20 from the cellular phone terminal 10, the control section 100 detects via the incorporation interface section 103 that the

SIM card 20 is removed (step Sl-6) .

[0066] Next, the user inserts the SIM card 20, which has been removed from the cellular phone terminal 10, into the SIM card holder 30. Subsequently, the user, who carries the cellular phone terminal 10, carries the SIM card holder 30 into which the SIM card 20 is inserted.

[0067] Upon detecting that the SIM card 20 is removed, the control section 100 performs an SIM card confirmation process (step Sl-7). The SIM card confirmation process is repeatedly performed at predetermined time intervals (e.g., at 3-minute intervals) until the power turns OFF (the answer to query step Sl-8 is YES) . When the power turns OFF (^'the answer to query stop Sl-8 is YΞS) , the control section 100 deletes the entire personal information that is stored in the personal information memory 102 (step Sl-9) .

[0068] The SIM card confirmation process, which is performed in step Sl-7, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 through 7. In the SIM card confirmation process, the control section 100 wirelessly transmits a generated first confirmation signal from the detection interface section 104. The control section 100 generates the confirmation signal in accordance with the access code data 240 stored in the personal information memory 102.

[0069] It is assumed that the confirmation signal transmitted from the cellular phone terminal IC reaches a predetermined range A from the cellular phone tertr.inal 10 as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, if the SIM card holder 30 is at location E, which is within the predetermined range A, the SIM card holder 30 returns a response signal concerning the access code data 240 to the cellular phone terminal 10 in response to the confirmation signal from the cellular phone terminal 10. Upon receipt of the response signal from the SIM card holder 30 (if the answer to query step S2-2 is YES), the control section 100 of the cellular phone terminal 10 terminates the SIM card confirmation process.

[0070] If the cellular phone terminal 10 is left by the user at a remote place or stolen and placed at location C as shown in FIG. 7, the SIM card holder 30 is outside the predetermined range A from the cellular phone terminal 10. In this instance, the confirmation signal transmitted from the control section 100 of the cellular phone terminal 10 in step S2-1 does not reach the SIM card holder 30. Therefore, the SIM card holder 30 cannot transmit a response signal to the cellular phone terminal 10.

[0071] If the cellular phone terminal 10 cannot receive a response signal from the SIM card holder 20 (the answer to query step S2-2 is NO) as described above, the control section 100 performs a protection process (step S2-3) . At this stage of the present embodiment, the control section 100 locks the personal information stored in the personal information memory 102 (to make the information inaccessible)

[0072] In other words, the control section 100 does not perform a process or display operation in accordance with an operating control signal that is received from the operating control section 111 when the buttons 11 are operated. Further, the control section 100 performs a warning process to state that the protection process has been performed. More specifically, the control section 100 emits a warning sound from the microphone 14 and opens a display screen 510 on the display 12 as shown in FIG. 6. The display screen 510 indicates that the information stored in the personal information memory 102 is locked.

[0073] If a predetermined period of time (e.g., a 30- inυte period) elapses after the personal information is locked, the control section 100 transmits a second confirmation signal (step S2-4). As is the case with the aforementioned first confirmation signal, the second confirmation signal is generated in accordance with the access code data 240.

[0074] If, in this instance, the SIM card holder 30 is at location C or not within the predetermined range A from the cellular phone terminal 10 so that the response signal cannot be received (the answer to query step S2-5 is MO), the control section 100 further performs an additional protection process (step S2-6) . In the present embodiment, the control section 100 performs the additional protection process to delete the information stored in the personal information memory 102. The control section 100 then opens a display screen 520 as shown in FIG. 6 to indicate that the personal information has been deleted.

[0075] If, on the other hand, the SIM card holder 30 is at location B or within the predetermined range A from the cellular phone terminal 10 when the second confirmation signal is transmitted from the control section 100, the SIM card holder 30 transmits a response signal corresponding to the confirmation signal. Upon receipt of the response signal

(when the answer to query step S2-5 is YES) , the control section 100 of the cellular phone terminal 10 undoes the lock

(step S2-7) .

[0076] In the above instance, the control section 100 opens a display screen 530 on the display 12 as shown in FIG. 6 to indicate that the lock is undone. After the lock is undone, the control section 100 reverts to a normal mode in which it performs a process or display operation in accordance with the operations of the buttons 11.

[0077] The present embodiment provides the following advantages. In the present embodiment, the SIM card 20 in which personal information is recorded is carried separately from the cellular phone terminal 10 under normal conditions. Therefore, even if the cellular phone terminal 10 is lost or otherwise rendered unavailable, the SIM card 20 remains available.

[0078] When the SIM card 20 is removed from the cellular phone terminal 10, the control section 100 performs the SIM card confirmation process (step Sl-7). If it is judged in this confirmation process tnat the cellular phone terminal 10 is away from the user who carries the SIM card 20, the control section 100 locks the personal information 230 in the personal information memory 102 (step S2-3). In other words, if the cellular phone terminal 10 leaves the user, a protection process s automatically is performed on the personal information 230 within the cellular phone terminal 10. Therefore, the possibility of personal information loss can be minimized.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the SIM card confirmation process (step Sl-7) is performed at predetermined time intervals. If the user having the SIM card 20 is outside the predetermined range A from the cellular phone terminal 10, the control section 100 automatically performs a protection process on the personal information 230. Therefore, even if the user is not aware that the cellular phone terminal 10 is not positioned near the user, the possibility of personal information loss can be reduced.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the control section 100 uses a confirmation signal generated in accordance witn the access code data 240 to detect whether the SIM card holder 30 in whicn the SIM card 20 is housed exists. The access code data 240 is set separately from the personal information 230. Therefore, the personal information will not possibly be lost. Even if the confirmation signal, which detects the location of the SIM card 20, is stolen, the access code data 240 is set each time the SIM card 20^' is inserted into the cellular phone terminal 10. Therefore, the possibility of personal information loss is reduced.

[0081] If the SIM card 20 cannct be detected with the second confirmation signal, the present embodiment deletes the data in the personal information memory 102. Since the personal information is deleted from the cellular phone terminal 10, personal information loss from the cellular phone terminal 10 is prevented.

[0082] The present embodiment locks the personal information 230 if the SIM card 20 cannot be detected with the first confirmation signal, and deletes the data in the personal information memory 102 if the SIM card 20 still cannot be detected at a later time. In other words, the level of protection gradually rises with ar. increase in the period of time during which the cellular phone terminal 10 is away from the SIM card 20. Therefore, if the cellular phone terminal 10 detects the SIM card 20 within a predetermined period of time, the normal functionality of the cellular phone terminal 10 is recovered.

[0083] In the present embodiment, new personal information stored in the personal information memory 102 is additionally stored as the personal information 230 in the SIM memory 23 in step Sl-5. Thus, the personal information 23C in the SIM card 20 can be updated as needed. Consequently, even if the cellular phone terminal 10 is lost or otherwise rendered unavailable, it is possible to derive new information from the updated memory card and recover the normal functionality of the cellular phone terminal 10 with more promptness.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the control section 100 of the cellular phone terminal 10 locks the personal information 230, emits a warning sound from the loudspeaker 13, and opens the display screen 510 on the display 12. Therefore, the user hears the warning sound and/or views the display screen 10 to learn that a protection process has been performed .

[0085] When necessary information is recorded completely in the personal information memory 102 within the cellular phone terminal 10 or in the SIM memory 23, the present embodiment causes the control section 100 to open the removal permission screen 500 on the display 12 to indicate the completion of such information recording. This informs the user of the time at which the SIM card 20 may be removed from the cellular phone terminal 10. Therefore, the present emoodiment reminds the user to remove the SIM card 20 with a view towara minimizing the possibility of personal information loss.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the SIM card 20 is detected wirelessly via the incorporation interface section 103. Therefore, the predetermined range A of the SIM carα 20 from the cellular phone terminal 10 can be set appropriately depending on the type of wireless communication device used.

[0087] The present embodiment may be altered as described below. In the present embodiment described above; only the SIM card 20 can be installed m the cellular phone terminal 10. Alternatively, however, provision may be made so that the SIM card holder 30 into which the SIM card 20 is inserted can be installed in the cellular phone terminal 10. Further., the SIM card holder 30 may be mounted or, the outside of the cellular phone terminal 10 so that the control section 100 of the cellular p.ηone terminal 10 acquires the personal information 230 via the SIM card holder 30 and stores it in the personal information memory 102.

[0088] In the present emboαiment described above, a protection process is performed to deny access to the personal information, execute a warning process to emit a warning sound, or delete the personal information. Alternatively, however, the protection process may be performed to turn OFF the cellular phone terminal 10. When the cellular phone terminal 10 turns OFF, the present embodiment deletes the personal information. This results in the execution of the protection process. If a GPS (Global Positioning System) is incorporated in the cellular phone terminal 10, the celluiar phone terminal 10 may transmit a GPS signal to a base station so that the information about the current location of the cellular phone terminal 10 is obtameα .

[0089] If the SIM card holder 30 is not within the predetermined range A from the cellular phone terminal 10, the present emboαiment described above locks the personal information and emits a warning sound from the cellular phone terminal 10. Alternatively, however, a loudspeaker may oe attached to the SIM card holder 30 to let the SIM carα holder 30 emit a warning sound. Since it is highly probable that the user will always carry the SIM card holder 30 rather than the cellular phone terminal 10, the user can learn that the cellular phone terminal 10 is left behind, stolen, or otherwise made unavailable.

[0090] In the present embodiment described above, the SIM card confirmation process (step Sl-7) is repeated at intervals of approximately 5 minutes. If the process is performed at shorter time intervals, it is possible to immediately detect that the SIM card 20 is away from the cellular phone terminal 10. If, on the contrary, 'the process is performed at longer time intervals, the confirmation signal for detecting the SIM card 20 is transmitted a smaller number of times. The power required for signal transmission is then reduced to provide increased power savings.

[0091] In the present embodiment described above, the SIM card 20 is carried by the user while it is housed in the SIM card holder 30, which transmits a signal corresponding to a signal from the cellular phone terminal 10. However, the SIM card 21 may alternati ely be an IC tag with an antenna. The use of sucn an IC tag enables the SIM card 20 to transmit a signal corresponding to a signal from the cellular phone terminal 10, thereby eliminating the necessity for the SIM card holder 30.

[0092] In the present embodiment described above, the Bluetooth (trade name) technology is used for wireless communication. However, the present invention is not limited to the use of the Bluetooth technology. The wireless LAN or any other wireless communication technology may be used instea .

[0093] When t is determined that the SIM card 20 is outside the predetermined range A from the cellular phone terminal 10, the present embodiment described above immediately locks the personal information stored in the personal information memory 102. However, alternatively, the personal information 230 may be locked when the SIM card 20 is not within the predetermined range A from the cellular phone terminal 10 and the buttons 11 are pressed to access the personal mf rir.ation memory 102. In this instance, the personal information remains unlocked if no abnormality is encountered no matter whether the user intentionally leaves the. cellular phone terminal 10 while carrying the SIM card 20. Therefore, the control section 100 does not lock or unlock the personal information as far as no abnormality exists. As a result, the power Required for the cellular phone terminal 10 can be reduced.

[0094] If the SIM card 20 is removed from the cellular phone terminal 10, the present embodiment described above causes the cellular phone terminal 10 to repeatedly perform the SIM card confirmation process shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the SIM card confirmation process may be performed when the SIM card 20 is removed from the cellular phone terminal 10 and an attempt is made to access the personal information memory 102. In this instance, the' process for detecting the SIM card 20 is performed after a certain process is performed on the personal information memory 102, which stores the personal information. If the SIM card 20 is far away from the user, the cellular phone terminal 10 immediately protects the personal information. Therefore, the possibility of personal information loss can be further reduced with increased effectiveness while decreasing the frequency of detection process execution.

[0095] Further, provision nay be made so that the user can choose to enable the function for detecting the SIM card 20 and performing a protection process when a certain process is performed on the personal information memory 102. In addition, this function is customizable depending on tlie type of process performed on the personal information memory 102. More specifically, it means that if, for instance, the mail/phone book data 233 s accessed, the process for detecting the SIM card 20 is performed without fail, and that if the schedule data 234 is accessed, the process for detecting the SIM card 20 is not performeα.

[0096] The present invention ensures that the memory card in which personal mforπation is recorded can be carried separately from the cellular phone terminal. Therefore, the memory card remains available even when the cellular phone terminal is lost or otherwise rendered unavailable. Further, when the memory card is removed from the cellular phone terminal, the personal information can be read as far as the memory card s detected via the second interface. If the cellular phcne terminal leaves the user who owns the memory card, the personal information protection process is automatically performed to minimize the possibility of personal information loss from the cellular phone terminal.

Claims

1. A personal information protection method of providing personal information protection for a cellular phone terminal that comprises storage means capable of storing personal information stored in a memory card; a first interface for providing wired transmission/reception in relation to said memory card; a second interface for providing wireless transmission/reception in relation to said memory card; and control means for controlling said storage means, said personal in orrr.ation protection method allows said control means to include: a recording step for connecting to said memory card via said first interface, reading said personal information from, said memory card, and writing said personal information into said storage means; a detection step for causing said control means to perform a process for detecting said memory card via said second interface when said memory card is disconnected from said first interface; and a protection processing step for performing a protection process, in accordance with the result of said detection, to protect personal information stored in said storage means.

2. The personal information protection method according to claim 1, wherein said detection step performs a process for detecting said memory card at predetermined time intervals .

3. The personal information protection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said protection process is performed when said memory card cannot^' be detected and said control means receives a command signal for reading said personal information .

4. The personal information protection method according to claim 1, wherein said detection step performs a process for detecting said memory card when said control means receives a command signal for reading said personal information.

5. The personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein said protection process comprises at least a first protection process and a second protection process, and wherein the personal information protection method performs the first protection process for said storage means, and, if said memory card cannot be detected via said second interface after the first protection process, proceeds to perform the second protection process.

6. The personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein said protection process includes a process for refusing the execution of a process for storage means in which said personal information is recorded .

7. The personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 wherein said protection process includes a process for erasing said personal information recorded in said storage means ,

8. The personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 wherein said protection process is a warning process for stating the protection of personal information.

9. The personal information protection method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 farther includes a writing step for causing control means to add information updated by said storage means to said memory card via said first interface when said memory card can be detected via sa d second interface.

10. A personal information protection program for providing personal .nformation protection for a cellular phone terminal that comprises storage means capable of storing personal information stored in a memory card; a first interface for providing wired transmission/reception m relation to said memory card; a second interface for providing wireless transmission/reception in relation to said memory carα; and control means for controlling saiα storage means, said personal information protection program causes said control means to function as: recording means for connecting to said memory card via said first interface, reading said personal information from said memory card, and writing said personal information into said storage means; detection means for detecting said memory card via said second interface when said memory card is disconnected from said first interface; and protection processing means for performing a protection process, in accordance with the result of said detection, to protect personal information stored in said storage means.

11. The personal information protection program according to claim 10, wherein said detection means performs a process for detecting said memory card at predetermined time intervals.

12. The personal information protection program according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said protection process is performed when said memory card cannot be detected and said control means receives a conmar.c signal for reading said personal information.

13. The personal information protection program according to claim 10, wherein said detection means performs a process for detecting said memory card when said control means receives a command signal for reading said personal information.

14. The personal information protection program according to claim 10, 11, 12, or 13 wherein said protection process comprises at least a first protection process and a second protection process, and wherein the personal information protection program performs the first protection process for said storage means, and, if said memory card cannot be detected via said second interface after the first protection process, proceeds to perform the second protection process .

15. The personal information protection program according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 wherein said protection process includes a process for refusing the execution of a process for storage means m which said personal information is recordeα.

16. The personal information protection program according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 wherein said protection process includes a process for erasing said personal information recorded in said storage means.

17. The personal information protection program according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 wherein said protection process is a warning process for stating the protection of personal information.

18. The personal information protection program according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17 wherein said control means further functions as writing means for adding information updated by said storage means to said

•memory card via said first interface when said memory card can be detected via said second interface.

19. A cellular phone terminal, comprising: storage means capable of storing personal information stored in a memory card;

3S

a first interface for providing wired transmission/reception in relation to said memory card; a second interface for providing wireless transmission/reception in relation to said memory card; and control means for controlling said storage means, wherein said control means includes recording means for connecting to said memory card via said first interface, reading said personal information from said memory card, and writing said personal information into said storage means; detection means for detecting said memory card via said second interface when said memory card is disconnected from said first interface; and protection processing means for performing a protection process, in accordance with the result of said detection, to protect personal information stored m said storage means.

20. The cellular phone terminal according to claim 19, wherein said detection means performs a process for detecting said memory card at predetermined time intervals.

21. The cellular phone terminal according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said protection process is performed when said memory card cannot be detected and said control means receives a command signal for reading said personal information .

22. The cellular phone terminal according to claim 19, wherein said detection means performs a process for detecting said memory card when said control means receives a command signal for reading said personal information.

23. The cellular phone terminal according to claims 19 through 22, wherein said protection process comprises at least a first protection process and a second protection process, and wherein the cellular phone terminal performs the first protection process for said storage means, and, f said memory card cannot be detected via said second interface after tne first protection process, proceeds to perform the second protection process.

24. The cellular phone terminal according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 wherein said protection process includes a process for refusing the execution of a process for storage means in which said personal information is recorded.

25. The cellular pnone terminal according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 wnerem said protection process includes a process for erasing said personal information recorded in said storage means.

26. The cellular phone terminal according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 wherein said protection process is a warning process for stating the protection of personal information .

2^η . The cellular phone terminal according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26, further comprising writing means for enabling said control means to add information updated by said storage means to said memory card via said first interface when said memory card can be detected via said second interface.