1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 1111111111 11111 11111 11111 111111111111111 11111111
`c19) United States
`
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`US 2006/0287004 Al
`
`c10) Pub. No.:
`(43) Pub. Date: Dec. 21, 2006
`Fuqua
`
`US 20060287004Al
`
`(54) SIM CARD CASH TRANSACTIONS
`
`
`
`
`(52)U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 455/558
`
`(76)Inventor: Walter B. Fuqua, Albuquerque, NM
`
`
`
`(US)
`
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`
`CARSTENS & CAHOON, LLP
`P O BOX 802334
`DALLAS, TX 75380 (US)
`
`
`
`
`
`(21) Appl. No.:11/155,356
`
`(22)Filed:
`
`Jun. 17, 2005
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)Int. Cl.
`H04B1138 (2006.01)
`
`The present invention provides a mobile device such as a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`cellular phone or PDA that can store and transfer electronic
`
`
`
`currency, similar to a debit card. Specifically, the mobile
`
`
`
`
`device includes a transceiver for wireless near field com­
`
`
`
`munication (NFC) and a subscriber identity module (SIM),
`
`
`
`
`wherein the SIM maintains a balance of electronic currency
`
`
`
`units that represent specified monetary values. The SIM is
`
`
`
`
`able to directly exchange electronic currency units with
`
`
`
`
`second party devices via the NFC transceiver without having
`
`
`
`
`to connect to a wireless communications network, wherein
`
`
`
`
`
`the SIM tracks and adjusts said balance of currency units
`
`during an exchange.
`
`Start
`
`Select currency denomination
`
`
`401
`
`Select amount of base
`
`
`currency to convert
`402
`
`Multiply base currency amount
`
`
`
`by exchange rate
`403
`
`Store foreign funds in virtual
`
`balance
`404
`
`Select number of days funds
`
`are available
`405
`
`No
`
`� --- --1� Permanently convert currency
`
`
`409
`No
`
`Reconvert funds
`
`408
`
`End
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 1
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 21, 2006 Sheet 1 of 7
`US 2006/0287004 Al
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`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 2
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 21, 2006 Sheet 2 of 7
`US 2006/0287004 Al
`
`Fig. 2
`
`START
`
`210
`
`RECEIVE WIRELESS
`TELEPHONES
`
`212
`CONAGURE WIRELESS
`
`lELfPHONES
`
`214
`REGIS I ER TELEPHONES
`
`
`WITH WIRELESS SERVICE
`PROVIDERS
`
`END
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 3
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`Dec. 21, 2006 Sheet 3 of 7
`US 2006/0287004 Al
`
`Start
`
`Notification
`of
`Receive
`prepayment
`310
`
`Notify mobile unit of
`funds
`available
`312
`
`Yes
`
`Is mobile unit
`No
`activated?
`Account
`314
`
`1J
`
`mobile unit
`Activate
`316
`
`1'
`
`End
`
`Fig. 3
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 4
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`

`

`
`
`Patent Application Publication Dec. 21, 2006 Sheet 4 of 7
`US 2006/0287004 Al
`
`Start
`
`Select currency denomination
`
`
`401
`
`Select amount of base
`
`
`currency to convert
`
`402
`
`Multiply base currency amount
`
`
`by exchange rate
`
`403
`
`Fig. 4
`
`Store foreign funds in virtual
`
`balance
`
`404
`
`Select number of days funds
`
`are available
`405
`
`No
`
`Permanently convert currency
`
`
`--.i
`409
`
`N-o-
`
`>----
`
`Yes
`
`Reconvert funds
`
`408
`
`End
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 5
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`

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`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Dec. 21, 2006 Sheet 5 of 7
`US 2006/0287004 Al
`
`Start
`
`'
`
`Receive notice of transfer
`
`
`510
`
`Receive or pay?
`
`512
`
`Pay
`
`Receive
`
`Available funds � payment
`
`No
`Yes
`request?
`514
`
`Pay funds
`520
`
`-
`
`1
`
`Block request
`516
`
`Update balance of
`
`available funds
`522
`
`Prompt user to add
`funds
`518
`
`End
`
`Fig. 5
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 6
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`Patent Application Publication Dec. 21, 2006 Sheet 6 of 7
`US 2006/0287004 Al
`
`Start
`
`Mobile unite initiates
`
`financial transaction
`
`610
`
`Wireless service provider
`
`
`
`
`notifies prepaid application
`server
`
`612
`
`Fig. 6
`
`Receive or transfer
`
`Transfer
`funds?
`614
`
`Receive
`
`Available funds�
`
`Greater
`payment request?
`
`Equal
`
`616
`
`Update available
`balance
`
`618
`
`
`
`Deactivate mobile unit
`
`620
`
`End
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 7
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 21, 2006 Sheet 7 of
`
`7
`US 2006/0287004 Al
`
`Start
`
`,,
`
`Detect NFC terminal
`701
`
`,,
`
`
`Access account information on
`
`SIM
`702
`
`,,
`Transfer transaction
`
`information to NFC terminal
`703
`
`,,
`
`Transfer info to POS device
`
`704
`
`,,
`
`Send copy of transaction to
`FAS
`705
`
`,,
`
`Receive authorization code
`
`
`
`706
`
`,,
`
`End
`
`Fig. 7
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 8
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`US 2006/0287004 Al
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`Dec. 21, 2006
`
`1
`
`The amount of transferred currency units is then deducted
`
`
`
`SIM CARD CASH TRANSACTIONS
`
`
`from the available balance that is stored on the SIM card in
`the wireless handset.
`
`
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`
`[0007] The mobile device has the ability to transfer a
`[0001] The present invention relates generally to telecom­
`
`
`specific number of currency values to a corresponding
`
`
`munications and, more specifically to a method and system
`
`
`
`
`
`wireless device similarly equipped, thereby allowing one
`
`
`
`for conducting financial transactions over a wireless com­
`
`
`
`user of this technology to transfer funds directly to another
`
`
`munications and handheld wireless devices.
`
`
`
`user. This process, commonly known as a remittance, can be
`
`
`
`
`completed by transferring available funds from one phone to
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`
`
`another phone without the intervention of external compa­
`[0002] Wireless service providers provide communica­
`
`
`
`
`
`nies who normally offer remittance services for a fee. The
`
`
`
`tions services between a mobile unit, e.g., wireless phone,
`
`
`capability of the phone to transfer funds from one phone to
`
`
`
`
`Personal Data Assistant (PDA), BlackBerry, computer, etc.,
`
`
`
`
`another will aid the user in sending small amounts of money
`
`
`
`
`and another party using another wireless device or a non­
`
`
`
`to friends or family who are in need of money quickly or are
`
`
`
`wireless terminal in which a voice call can be terminated to
`far away from the sender.
`
`
`
`a land based telephone or other device such as a computer,
`[0008] Additionally, the present invention enables the user
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`POS terminal, ATM machine or OS computer terminal.
`
`
`to make payment to third parties, whom the user may be
`
`
`Generally, the mobile unit communicates with a wireless
`
`
`obligated to pay or remit a payment by means other than
`
`
`
`
`network via a wireless communications protocol such as
`
`
`
`directly to the mobile device, allowing the user to forward
`
`
`Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division
`
`
`
`
`
`payment to the intended party via an authorization to pay
`
`Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile com­
`
`
`
`from available funds held in the phone. This feature is
`
`
`
`munications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS),
`
`
`
`commonly known as bill paying. The methods most com­
`
`
`
`
`
`etc. The wireless network in tum provides connectivity to
`
`
`monly used by consumers to pay bills have been bank check,
`
`
`
`the telecommunications network, which typically comprises
`
`
`
`
`bank draft, or authorization for electronic transfer of funds
`
`
`switches interconnected by cables or fiber and provides
`
`
`
`to creditors. The "bill pay" feature of this invention allows
`
`
`communications services to the other user.
`
`
`
`safe and secure authorization and transfer of funds to the
`
`
`
`[0003] As the proliferation of wireless services has
`
`intended party.
`
`
`
`expanded, so have the types of service offerings to reach
`[0009] The invention further allows for micro-payments
`
`
`
`
`different market segments. One such service is the use of
`
`
`
`used in retail transactions between the phone user and a
`
`mobile units like cell phones and PDAs for storing elec­
`
`
`
`merchant to conduct a cash type transaction, and further
`
`
`tronic cash that can be used for purchases, e.g., vending
`
`
`
`allow for macro-payments where the phone user has the
`
`
`
`
`
`machines, gas stations, convenience stores. However, in the
`
`
`need to forward money to a creditor for which a debt is owed
`
`
`
`
`current art this new capability is provided by special data
`
`and the phone user wishes to pay such obligation from the
`
`
`
`cards ( e.g., flash memory) inserted into the mobile phone or
`
`
`available funds on the phone.
`
`
`
`PDA. This card stores the user's identifying information and
`
`
`the amount of funds available in the user's account.
`[0010] The present invention allows the SIM device to
`
`
`
`
`
`
`hold currencies in different values and provides separate
`
`
`
`
`[0004] This innovation requires not only the purchase of
`
`
`partitions in the SIM card that let the user store funds from
`
`
`the data card itself but in some instances the user may also
`
`
`
`different national currency denominations, allowing the rep­
`
`
`be required to purchase a new mobile unit that can accom­
`
`
`
`
`resentative values of the different currencies to be held on
`
`
`
`modate such a card. As of the time of this writing the total
`the SIM simultaneously.
`
`purchase price of such a flash card and phone or PDA is
`
`
`
`about $100 US. When one considers that there are currently
`[0011] An algorithm allows the temporary conversion of
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1.8 billion mobile phones in service around the world, the
`
`
`
`
`currency from one basis to another (without causing the
`
`
`
`conversion cost of incorporating this new technology into
`
`
`
`
`actual conversion and exchanging of foreiuntil gn currency)
`
`
`the existing marketplace is staggering.
`
`such time as when the user is in need of the funds to be
`
`
`
`delivered in the desired currency indigenous to the user's
`
`
`[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a mecha­
`
`physical location.
`
`
`
`
`nism that provides the ability to store and transfer currency
`
`
`
`electronically on pre-existing mobile devices such as cellu­
`[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, fund
`
`
`
`
`lar phones and PDAs.
`
`
`transfers are conducted oflline via RFID near field commu­
`nication.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention,
`
`
`
`
`
`the SIM chip has a corresponding plastic card similar to a
`[0006] The present invention provides a mobile device
`
`
`
`
`
`
`standard credit card. This plastic card contains the same
`
`such as a cellular phone or PDA that can store and transfer
`
`
`
`
`identification and account information as the SIM and
`
`
`
`
`electronic currency, similar to a debit card or Stored Value
`
`
`
`
`allows the user to transact business with merchants that are
`
`
`
`Card. Specifically, the mobile device contains a subscriber
`
`
`
`not equipped to interface with the SIM card in the mobile
`
`
`
`
`identity module (SIM) card that includes computer program
`
`
`
`
`
`device, without the user having to maintain a separate credit
`
`
`
`code for retrieving from memory an available balance of
`card account.
`
`
`
`
`
`electronic currency units that the mobile device is authorized
`
`
`
`to transfer to second parties. The mobile device is allowed
`
`
`
`
`to transfer a specified number of currency units to a second
`
`
`
`
`party, wherein the specified number of currency units is less
`[0014] The novel features believed characteristic of the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`than or equal to the available balance stored on the SIM card.
`
`
`
`
`invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 9
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`
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`US 2006/0287004 Al
`
`Dec. 21, 2006
`
`2
`
`[0025] The prepaid financial application server 116 pro­
`
`
`
`
`itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
`
`
`
`
`
`
`objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by
`
`
`
`
`vides registration and operational management functions for
`
`
`
`
`reference to the following detailed description of an illus­
`
`
`the wireless financial services and is communicatively
`
`
`
`trative embodiment when read in conjunction with the
`
`
`coupled to a prepaid financial application database 118 that
`
`
`
`
`
`accompanying drawings, wherein:
`
`
`provides storage capabilities. It should be noted that the
`
`
`
`
`prepaid financial application server 116 is illustrated as a
`[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a telephony network in which the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`single component for illustrative purposes only and may
`
`
`
`
`present invention may be implemented and the specific path
`
`
`
`
`comprise one or more servers and network elements. Fur­
`
`
`
`
`of secure data transmission critical to the overall operability
`
`
`thermore, the prepaid application database 118 may be a
`
`
`
`and function-ability;
`
`
`
`
`stand-alone database system or integrated into the prepaid
`[0016] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the
`
`steps used to configu re
`
`
`
`
`
`application server 116. The prepaid application database 118
`
`
`
`
`a mobile unit in accordance with the present invention;
`
`
`
`may comprise an electronic storage medium such as a hard
`
`
`
`disk, tape storage, optical disks, memory, a storage area
`
`
`
`[0017] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of
`
`network (SAN), etc.
`
`
`activating or re-activating a mobile unit for financial ser­
`vices;
`
`[0026] The activation server 120 and activation database
`
`
`
`
`122 provide mobile unit activation/deactivation capabilities
`
`
`
`[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of
`
`
`
`
`
`for the wireless prepaid application. Generally, a mobile unit
`
`
`converting base funds into tokens or foreign currency;
`
`
`110 is identified by one or more unique identifiers. In one
`
`
`
`[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of
`
`
`
`embodiment, the mobile unit 110 is identified by the com­
`
`
`
`
`
`utilizing a mobile unit for financial transactions in accor­
`
`
`
`bination of International Mobile Equipment Identifier
`
`dance with the present invention;
`
`
`
`(IMEI), a SIM card International Mobile Subscriber Identity
`
`
`(IMSI), and a phone number. The activation server 120 and
`
`
`
`
`
`
`[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting the process of
`
`
`
`
`activation database 122 are maintained by a third party. One
`
`
`
`
`
`maintaining and updating accounts on the prepaid financial
`
`
`such third party is GEMPLUS, located in Dallas, Tex.,
`
`
`application server; and
`
`
`
`which provides an activation/deactivation interface between
`[0021] FIG. 7 is a flow chart that depicts the communi­
`
`
`
`
`the prepaid financial application server 116 and the carrier
`
`
`
`
`
`cation between the receiving device and the cellular device
`
`databases 124.
`
`
`
`for the purpose of completing an electronic financial trans­
`[0027] The carrier databases 124 represent the wireless
`
`
`
`action.
`
`
`service providers' databases of active mobile units (i.e.
`
`
`
`mobile unit 110). Generally, each wireless service provider
`
`
`(not shown) only allows mobile units that have been autho­
`[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a telephony network in which the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`rized or activation to place or receive telephone calls. Thus,
`
`
`
`present invention may be implemented. It should be noted
`
`
`
`
`
`the wireless prepaid financial application can control the
`
`
`
`ability of the mobile unit 110 to place or receive calls by
`
`
`
`that those skilled in the art will recognize that the network
`
`
`
`
`100 has been simplified to better illustrate features of the
`
`
`
`
`
`modifying ( or instructing the wireless service provider to
`
`
`
`
`present invention. The network 100 comprises a mobile unit
`
`modify) the status of the mobile unit 110 in the appropriate
`
`
`
`110, a base transceiver station (BTS) 112, a telecommuni­
`
`
`
`
`carrier database 124. Likewise (as discussed in more detail
`
`
`
`
`
`cations network 114, a prepaid financial services application
`
`
`below) the ability of the mobile unit 110 to use different
`
`
`
`
`
`server 116, a prepaid financial application database 118, an
`
`
`
`
`
`wireless service providers' networks may be controlled by
`
`
`
`
`activation server 120, an activation database 122, and one or
`
`
`
`
`
`modifying each wireless service provider's carrier database
`
`more carrier databases 124.
`
`124 independently.
`
`
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0023] The mobile unit 110 is configured to communica­
`
`
`[0028] FIG. 2 is a flowchart
`of the steps used to configu re
`
`
`tively couple to the BTS 112, preferably via a wireless
`
`
`
`
`a mobile unit in accordance with the present invention. The
`
`
`communications protocol such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA,
`
`
`
`
`process begins when the mobile units are received from the
`
`
`GPRS, or the like. In addition, the mobile unit 110 is
`
`
`
`manufacturer (step 210). Generally, manufacturers produce
`
`
`
`identity module a subscriber preferably configu red to accept
`
`
`
`
`the mobile units and sell them in quantity to wholesalers. At
`
`
`
`(SIM) card having a wireless prepaid application for finan­
`
`
`this point, the mobile units are not configured for operation,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`cial services stored thereon ( described in more detail below).
`
`
`
`and hence, must be properly configured prior to being used.
`
`
`
`
`The mobile unit 110 may be any suitable access device that
`[0029] Each mobile unit is preferably identified by one or
`
`
`
`
`may be configured to communicate via a telecommunica­
`
`
`more unique identifiers. In one embodiment of the present
`
`
`
`
`tions network 114, such as a mobile phone, laptop computer,
`
`
`
`
`invention, each mobile unit is uniquely identified by the
`
`
`
`
`tablet personal computer, PDA, BlackBerry, etc. However,
`
`
`
`IMIE and a telephone number. Each mobile unit is further
`
`
`
`
`for purposes of simplicity, the present discussion will pri­
`
`
`identified by the SIM card number (IMSI) in combination
`
`
`
`
`marily use the example of a mobile phone.
`
`with an IMIE and phone number (ANI) (step 212).
`
`
`[0024] The BTS 112 is communicatively coupled to the
`
`
`
`telecommunications network 114, which may comprise wire
`[0030] The unique identifier (which may be a singular
`
`
`and wireless network elements. The telecommunications
`
`
`
`
`number or combination of numbers) is then registered with
`
`
`
`network 114 may be, for example, a network such as the
`
`
`
`the carrier database (step 214). In one embodiment, the
`
`
`
`Internet, a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network
`
`
`
`
`registration process includes registering the unique identifier
`
`
`
`(WAN), a direct connection, a Public-Switched Telephone
`
`
`
`with the prepaid financial application server (FAS) and
`
`
`
`
`Network (PSTN), a wireless communications network, or
`
`
`
`database. The registration of the unique identifier with the
`the like.
`
`
`
`
`
`prepaid FAS allows the wireless prepaid service to manage
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 10
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`

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`
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`US 2006/0287004 Al
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`Dec. 21, 2006
`
`3
`
`[0035] The process
`the available funds of the mobile units, detect fraudulent
`
`
`
`
`begins when notification of prepay­
`
`
`ment is received (step 310). The user may prepay via a
`
`
`
`
`activities, and provide other customer services, as described
`
`in detail below.
`
`
`
`variety of methods. For example, the user may prepay by
`
`
`
`
`sending a check to the service provider requesting that the
`[0031] Furthermore, the registration process described
`
`
`
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`
`
`check be applied to the user's account. The user may also
`
`
`
`
`
`above may utilize an activation service, which provides an
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`
`
`contact the wireless service provider via phone or Internet
`
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`
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`interface between the wireless prepaid service provider and
`
`
`
`connection and prepay using a credit or debit card. In a
`
`
`
`
`the wireless network service provider. In this embodiment,
`
`
`
`
`
`preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user is
`
`
`
`
`the prepaid application server may notify the activation
`
`
`
`provided with one or more menus on the mobile unit itself,
`
`
`
`server of the unique identifier and request that the corre­
`
`
`
`
`which allows the user to request the service provider to
`
`
`
`
`sponding mobile unit be authorized for use with one or more
`
`
`extract payment from the credit/debit card on file.
`
`
`
`service providers. The activation server preferably stores the
`[0036] In one embodiment, the user may purchase the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`activation request information in the activation database and
`
`mobile unit from a vendor and dial a predetermined number,
`
`
`
`
`transmits a request to one or more carrier databases. There­
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`
`
`which is associated with a particular vendor, service special,
`
`
`after, the mobile unit is capable of placing and receiving
`
`
`
`or other marketing program. Once dialed, the user is con­
`
`wireless service.
`
`
`nected to a customer service representative or automated
`[0032] All requests made from the handset will require
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`
`
`system through which the user is able to prepay for services.
`
`
`authentication of the unique identifier (International Mobile
`[0037] Activation
`of the financial features requires the
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`
`
`Equipment Identity (IMEI), International Mobile Subscriber
`
`
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`
`
`
`financial service provider to make a positive identification of
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`
`
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`Identity (IMSI), and/or assigned phone number) of the
`
`
`the user who wishes to place fund on the cellular handset.
`
`
`
`requesting handset, a trace ID number, and benefici
`ary
`
`
`This also can be achieved by the user making a personal
`
`
`
`information. Part of the authentication process includes the
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`
`
`
`appearance at an authorized dealer and providing acceptable
`
`user creating a unique PIN code that must be used to validate
`
`
`
`Identification and choosing a PIN number to activate and
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`
`
`
`the user's request for a financial transaction or funds trans­
`
`
`authorize any future purchases, payments or transfers using
`
`
`
`fer. Without the proper PIN validation code to authenticate
`
`
`the funds available on the cellular handset.
`
`
`
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`the user request, the transaction request will be denied and
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`a message will be sent to the phone, notifying the user that
`[0038] After the prepaid financial service provider has
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`
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`
`
`
`
`
`an attempt to complete a transaction was denied due to
`
`
`received notification of receipt of good funds at any autho­
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`
`
`
`
`invalid PIN entry. As a further possible security feature the
`
`
`
`
`rized merchant or payment at the offices of the financial
`
`user may attempt to enter the valid PIN up to, e.g., three
`
`
`
`services provider, the mobile unit is notified of the avail­
`
`
`
`times, and then the SIM will lock the funds on the phone
`
`
`ability of electronic tokens or cash equivalent (step 312).
`
`
`
`
`
`until the user contacts the customer care center and verifies
`
`
`
`This may be accomplished with a short-message service
`
`
`
`
`that he is in possession of the handset and by validating a
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`
`
`
`(SMS) message from the prepaid financial application server
`
`
`
`
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`password, the phone's financial features will be unlocked for
`
`
`
`to the mobile unit. In the preferred embodiment, the mobile
`
`use by the authorized user.
`
`
`
`unit itself (more specifically, the SIM card) tracks the
`
`
`
`number of electronic units (tokens) available so as not to
`
`[0033] It should be noted that the registration process
`
`require the mobile unit to access the telecommunications
`
`
`
`
`describe above assumes that multiple companies must coor­
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`
`
`
`network and application service and maintain a connection
`
`
`
`
`
`dinate their respective activities in order to provide the
`
`
`
`during each use, thereby removing the need for additional
`
`
`
`
`wireless prepaid financial services. For example, the mobile
`
`
`ports and resources. In some cases the mobile unit may not
`
`
`
`
`units are provided by a first company, the wireless services
`
`
`
`have the capability to complete a financial transaction at this
`
`
`are provided by a second company, the wireless prepaid
`
`
`
`
`time. In such a case the prepaid financial application server
`
`
`
`
`financial service is administered by a third company, and the
`
`
`
`
`
`verifies and completes the process to validate a request from
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`
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`activation interface is provided by a fourth company. Under
`
`
`
`a handset to any intended recipient.
`
`
`
`
`
`different structures, the basic registration process described
`
`
`
`above may remain intact, but some steps and network
`[0039] After the mobile unit is notified and updated
`
`
`
`
`
`
`elements may be combined. For example, the prepaid finan­
`
`
`
`
`
`regarding available funds, the activation server determines
`
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`
`
`cial application server may communicate directly with the
`
`
`
`
`whether or not the account associated with the mobile unit
`
`
`
`
`carrier database, thereby eliminating the need for the acti­
`
`
`
`is activated (step 314). For example, if the mobile unit is
`
`vation server.
`
`
`
`new the financial account needs to be activated after the first
`
`
`deposit of funds is received. In the case of a preexisting
`
`
`[0034] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of
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`
`
`account, a mobile unit may have been deactivated when the
`
`
`
`activating or re-activating a mobile unit for financial ser­
`
`
`previous balance of funds was exhausted.
`
`
`
`
`vices. The prepayment and subsequent loading of electronic
`[0040] If the mobile unit account is not yet activated ( or
`
`
`
`
`
`cash is preferably a specified amount and equivalent value
`
`
`
`
`has been previously deactivated), the activation server enters
`
`
`
`being loaded onto the cellular device. The currency units
`
`
`
`
`the unit's unique identifier into the prepaid financial service
`
`
`may be based upon any currency value (e.g., pennies,
`
`
`database to reflect an active account (step 316).
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`nickels, dimes, and dollars) denoted as US currency or the
`
`
`
`equivalent thereof in foreign currency. In one embodiment,
`[0041] If a determination is made that the mobile unit is
`
`
`
`
`
`a user prepays for a certain amount of currency he wishes to
`
`
`
`
`already activated, the activation process simply ends.
`
`
`
`store as value on the cellular device. This is typically
`[0042] The SIM card can display all balances in any
`
`
`
`
`
`referred to as a base denomination in local currency, wherein
`
`
`
`the user pays for a number of electronic tokens that represent
`
`
`
`section where currency and tokens are stored. This feature
`
`the cash equivalent of funds the user wishes to store on the
`
`
`allows the user to manage balances in real time and prepare
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`
`
`cellular device, regardless of when the use occurs.
`
`
`
`for upcoming expenditures accordingly. All transactions will
`
`IPR2022-01239
`Apple EX1009 Page 11
`
`

`

`
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`US 2006/0287004 Al
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`Dec. 21, 2006
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`4
`
`be recorded in the Financial Application Server and the most
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`
`
`
`currency as needed during the prescribed time period and
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`recent transactions ( e.g., five) will be stored on the SIM card
`
`
`
`pay an exchange fee for only the actual portion of funds used
`
`
`for display on the device screen.
`
`
`
`the exchange fee for in a foreign country. This eliminates
`
`
`reconverting unused foreign funds back to US currency
`
`
`
`
`[0043] The present invention places partitions on the SIM
`
`(explained below).
`
`
`card that are able to store units of measure (UOM) and
`
`
`
`deduct those UOM automatically or manually, based on
`[0050] At the end of the specified time period, a determi­
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`
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`
`
`commands entered on the handset keypad. The partitions can
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`
`
`
`nation is made as to whether there are any unused foreign
`
`
`
`be identified as files to store various UOM (e.g., currency,
`
`
`funds in the virtual balance (step 406). If there are unused
`
`
`
`tokens, time units). For example, the SIM card may have a
`
`
`
`foreign funds in the virtual balance, the user then has the
`
`
`
`file for each country. The user can purchase currency to be
`
`
`
`option of reconverting those funds back into the base
`
`
`
`used while traveling to a single country. This will allow the
`
`
`
`
`
`currency or permanently convert them to the foreign cur­
`
`
`
`
`user the flexibility of taking advantage of preserving favor­
`rency (step 407).
`
`
`
`able exchange rates or locking in short term exchange rates
`[0051] If the user decides to reconvert the remaining
`
`
`
`
`
`while traveling, and pre-purchasing electronic tokens to
`
`
`
`virtual balance, the currency units are merely recalculated
`
`
`
`
`
`obtain discounts or for ease of payment at a collection point.
`
`
`
`back into the base currency at the exchange rate used in step
`
`
`
`Another example is the storage of different national curren­
`403 (step 408).
`
`
`
`cies in different SIM card partitions.
`
`[0052] The user may decide to convert
`these foreign
`
`
`
`
`[0044] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of
`
`
`
`
`
`currency values to permanently converted funds held as a
`
`
`converting base funds into tokens or foreign currency. When
`
`separate value in the cellular device (step 409). This step
`
`
`
`funds are initially loaded onto a phone or other mobile
`
`
`
`
`involves the final settlement of the virtual balance and any
`
`
`
`device as described above, these funds are denominated in
`
`
`
`applicable exchange fees. The permanent foreign funds are
`
`
`
`a base currency. The base currency is determined by the
`
`
`
`held in a separate partition until such time as the user desires
`
`
`
`locality in which the user has registered the cellular handset,
`
`
`
`
`
`to spend, remit, or convert said foreign currency back to the
`
`
`
`with all other currencies stored on the SIM card design ated
`base currency.
`
`
`
`as foreign currency. A portion ( or all) of this base currency
`
`
`
`can be converted to other currencies. The present example
`[0053] By placing separate partitions on the SIM card, the
`
`
`
`
`
`will use U.S. dollars as the base currency.
`
`
`
`
`
`Financial Application Server can access a specific storage
`
`
`area of the SIM card to load funds ( electronic currency
`
`
`
`
`[0045] The user selects the specific foreign currency into
`
`
`
`
`
`(tokens)) in the national currency denomination the user
`
`which he would like to convert the base currency (step 401).
`
`
`
`desires to buy. The user may then keep foreign funds stored
`
`
`The user then selects the amount of based currency to be
`
`
`
`
`
`in their respective partitions until a time when the user is in
`
`
`converted (step 402). This amount of base currency units is
`
`
`a location where the currency can be used for payments.
`
`
`
`
`multiplied by the official exchange rate between the two
`
`
`
`Therefore, a user can purchase and store foreign currencies
`
`
`currencies, which changes daily (step 403). The funds are
`
`
`in advance or when the exchange rate is favorable without
`
`
`
`
`then placed into a virtual balance, which is a partition in the
`
`
`being subject to spot exchange rates at the moment a
`
`SIM card (step 404).
`
`transaction in local currency is desired.
`
`
`
`
`[0046] A variable currency valuation and exchange may
`[0054] The implementation of SIM partitions also allows
`
`
`
`
`
`
`be implemented when the mobile unit is detected in a foreign
`
`
`
`
`country where the user may choose to have currency values
`
`
`
`the storage of currency equivalents for use in proprietary
`
`
`
`converted into the local currency. The user may choose to
`
`
`
`systems. For example, merchants, government municipali­
`
`
`
`
`
`convert any portion of funds available on the handset to the
`
`
`
`
`
`ties, and other entities may accept electronic tokens for the
`
`
`local currency at a predetermined prevailing exchange rate
`
`
`
`
`purpose of payment for specific good and services within
`
`
`
`determined on the day the user requests to convert funds.
`
`
`that proprietary system, e.g., toll booth and subway tokens,
`
`
`
`These converted currencies bear the equivalent value of the
`
`
`
`
`merchant coupons, amusement park tokens, etc. These may
`
`
`
`
`funds converted, less any foreign currency exchange fees
`
`
`be established by the vendor and delivered to the financial
`
`
`
`
`paid. The exchange rate will vary depending on the time of
`
`
`
`
`
`application server for delivery to any user at the request of
`
`
`
`day and be based on intraday exchange rates published by
`
`
`
`the user, thus facilitating the expedited settlement of pay­
`the central bank.
`
`
`ments between the merchant and the user. Any merchant
`
`
`
`
`tokens are defined as coupons, which are limited to uses as
`
`
`[0047] The user can view the net revaluation in this local
`
`
`defined by the merchant's rules and regulations. The pur­
`
`
`
`
`currency. The request for currency exchange may be accom­
`
`
`
`
`chase and storage of any merchant coupons that are deliv­
`
`
`
`plished by the mobile unit and/or the SIM card. This is
`
`
`
`ered to the SIM card are controlled and disbursed in the
`
`
`
`accomplished by tracking the dollar amount available and
`
`same fashion as all other funds.
`
`
`
`
`the established exchange rate contracted for and posting to
`
`
`
`
`the user's handset display screen the amount of local cur­
`[0055] The SIM card contains a dynamically controlled
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`rency the user will receive in the exchange and conversion
`
`
`
`calculator that serves as the rate table for currency exchange
`
`to the local currency.
`
`
`
`
`services as well as fixed rate products that convert into
`
`
`
`
`electronic tokens for use in subways, parking meters, or
`
`
`
`[0048] The user then selects the number of days ( e.g., 5, 7,
`
`
`
`anywhere a fixed rate token can be issued by a vendor which
`for or 10) he would like to have these foreign funds available
`
`
`
`
`can be stored on the SIM card. The token can be passed to
`