Abstract:
Contact-free electronic labels for mobile telephones that can be, for example, associated with a support associated with each mobile telephone card. The electronic labels include a memory and controller for recording and reading, wholly or partly, data identifying the card and its characteristics, as well as data concerning different steps of the card distribution. The invention is applicable to silicon chip cards designed to be inserted in a mobile telephone handset.

Description:
This disclosure is based upon French Application No. 00/12039, filed on Sep. 21, 2000 and International Application No. PCT/FR01/02812, filed Sep. 11, 2001, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to the electronic labels which are used for identifying the objects with which they are associated. 
   The use is known of bar codes for identifying objects, such as grocery items, by printing them directly on the wrapping or by means of labels which are then stuck on the wrapping. These bar codes are for example read by an optical reading device at the shop cash desk and the bar code read is used, by means of a computer system, to display its price on a screen and to add it to the prices of the other items previously passed through at the cash desk. 
   These bar codes have the major drawback of being fixed, that is to say they cannot be updated during the life of the object except by creating a new bar code which replaces the old one, this new bar code reproducing all or part of the old bar code but adding thereto other information which is necessary or simply useful for the remainder of the distribution operations. 
   As a result, several bar codes are affixed to each item in the course of the distribution chain, which gives rise to many handling operations and is therefore a source of errors. It is therefore difficult and expensive to monitor the item during its life using bar codes which are different from one distribution step to another. 
   This problem is particularly acute in the distribution of mobile telephones where each handset can be associated with an electronic smart card, called a SIM card, which contains all the elements allowing use of the handset by a new subscriber according to certain usage rights defined in the subscription. It should be noted that “SIM” is the acronym for the expression “Subscriber Identification Module”. 
   This is because the SIM cards and the handsets are manufactured and distributed separately from one another, and are listed under different codes or numbers. 
   Thus, the SIM card is identified in an EF-ICC file recorded in the memory of the card, “EF-ICC” being the acronym for the expression “Entry File—Integrated Circuit Chip”, which contains the following information:
         the serial number of the manufacturer;   the serial number of the card for the telephone operator, indicating its description, its series and its number in the series;   the international number of the subscriber, known by the acronym “IMSI” for the expression “International Mobile Subscriber Identity”;   authentication keys, known by the acronym “KI” for the expression “Key Information”, are associated with this IMSI number;   finally, for each mobile telephone operator, the IMSI numbers are grouped in databases known by the acronym “HLR” for the expression “Home Location Register”, each being identified by a number.       

   Furthermore, each handset contains an identification serial number better known by the acronym “IMEI” for the expression “International Mobile Equipment Identity”. 
   When a SIM card is sold with a handset to a subscriber, a call number is assigned to the latter and is known by the acronym “MS-ISDN” for the expression “Mobile Station—Integrated Services Digital Number”. 
   The telephone operator, who receives the SIM cards and the handsets, distributes them by means of various distribution chains which each comprise a distributor, wholesalers and retailers. At each distribution step, it is necessary to list and itemise the SIM cards and handsets while adding thereto other information relating to the actions performed, in particular the identity of the one taking the action. Hence the replacement of the bar codes with others at each step with an inferior result as regards monitoring of the distributed items, SIM cards and telephone handsets. 
   Moreover, the bar codes must be visible from outside the wrapping, which does not allow direct use of the bar code associated with the SIM card, which is inside the wrapping, except by making therein a window for reading. 
   There is therefore, at least in this mobile telephone distribution field, a great need for simplification of the product monitoring operations in order to reduce the cost thereof and the number of errors while improving their traceability. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aim of the present invention is to make it possible to monitor the different steps in the distribution of a SIM smart card and/or a telephone handset for a mobile telephone simply, economically and without error. 
   This aim is achieved by associating a contactless electronic label with the SIM smart card and/or the telephone handset and in which there is recorded respectively all or part of the information identifying the SIM card and/or the telephone handset as well as information relating to the different steps in the mobile telephone distribution chain. 
   The invention therefore relates to a contactless electronic label for a telephone handset and/or a smart card intended to be connected electrically to said telephone handset in order to constitute a mobile telephone apparatus, characterised in that said electronic label is associated with at least one of the two elements making up the mobile telephone apparatus and comprises means for recording and reading, at least, information identifying the element with which it is associated. 
   This electronic label can also comprise means for recording and reading information relating to the different distribution steps for the element with which it is associated. 
   The information identifying the SIM smart card comprises, for example, one or more of the following numbers or codes:
         the serial number of the manufacturer of the SIM smart card;   the serial number of the smart card;   the international number of the subscriber known by the acronym “IMSI” for the expression “International Mobile Subscriber Identity”;   the “HLR” number identifying the database in which the “IMSI” number of the subscriber is listed, “HLR” corresponding to the expression “Home Location Register”.       

   This information identifying the SIM smart card corresponds to that contained in a file in a memory of the SIM smart card. This file is known by the acronym EF-ICC for the expression “Entry File—Integrated Circuit Chip”. 
   The information identifying the telephone handset comprises, for example, the serial number identifying the handset. This number corresponds, wholly or partially, to that contained in a file in a memory of the handset. 
   The information relating to the different distribution steps comprises one or more of the following numbers or codes:
         the codes identifying the different participants at each distribution step;   the codes identifying the states of the transfers between the different participants;   the call number assigned to the subscriber, known by the acronym “MS-ISDN”.       

   When a SIM smart card is associated with a telephone handset, the code or number identifying the latter is recorded in the electronic label associated with the SIM smart card. 
   Similarly, when a telephone handset is associated with a SIM smart card, the code or number identifying the latter is recorded in the electronic label associated with the telephone handset. 
   The invention also relates to a SIM electronic smart card with which a contactless electronic label as defined above is associated. 
   It also relates to a telephone handset with which a contactless electronic label as defined above is associated. 
   Finally, the invention relates to packaging for a mobile telephone apparatus which comprises, at least, a contactless electronic label as defined above. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following description of a particular embodiment, said description being given in relation to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a functional diagram of a contactless electronic label associated with an interrogation/reading/writing device; 
       FIG. 2  is a view showing a contactless electronic label; 
       FIG. 3  is a view showing an electronic label associated with a SIM smart card support; 
       FIG. 4  is a view of a parcel containing a SIM smart card and a telephone handset which are provided for sale to the subscriber; and 
       FIG. 5  is a view showing a telephone handset into which the SIM smart card is inserted in order to implement the subscription to a mobile telephone network. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A contactless electronic label  10  comprises, for example ( FIG. 1 ), an antenna  12  consisting of a tuned circuit which comprises an induction winding  14  and a capacitor  16 . The tuned frequency F 0  of the antenna  12  is for example 13.56 Megahertz. 
   This tuned circuit of the antenna is connected to different circuits which each implement a particular function. Thus, a circuit  24  implements the function of full-wave rectification of the signal with frequency F 0  at the terminals of the tuned circuit, for example, by a diode bridge  8 . This rectification circuit  24  is followed by a capacitor  26  for filtering the rectified signal which provides the supply voltage V dd  for all the other circuits of the electronic label, in particular those depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
   A circuit  18  implements the so-called Clock function and the synchronisation thereof from the frequency F 0 . The signals at different frequencies provided by this Clock circuit  18  are applied to the other circuits of the label except the antenna  12  and the rectification circuit  24 . 
   The circuit  20  implements the function of demodulation and decoding of the low frequency signals which modulate the signal at the carrier frequency F 0 , signals which constitute the information received by the label. 
   The information relating to the product with which the label is associated is recorded in a memory  22  which is addressable by a record/read circuit  30 . 
   This record/read circuit  30  is under the control of the signals detected and decoded by the circuit  20  and provides signals which are applied to a message synthesis circuit  32 . 
   The messages provided by the synthesis circuit  32  are applied to an antenna load modulation circuit which has been depicted schematically by a circuit  28  and a switch  38  controlled by the circuit  28 . A load resistor  36  has been depicted in series with the switch  38 . 
   The device  40  for interrogation/reading/writing of the label  10  comprises for example in a known manner an antenna  42  consisting of a tuned circuit which comprises an induction winding  44  and a capacitor  66 , the tuned frequency being F 0 . The two antennas  12  and  42  are magnetically coupled as represented by the arrow  46 . 
   The antenna  42  is supplied by electrical signals at the carrier frequency F 0  which are modulated by low frequency digital signals conveying the information to be transmitted to the label  10 . These modulated electrical signals are produced by a modulator  50  which receives, on the one hand, a signal at the frequency F 0  from an oscillator  48  and the modulation signals from a message generator  52 . The output signals of the modulator  50  are applied to a power amplifier  54 , the output terminal of which is directly connected to the antenna  42 . 
   The signals received by the antenna  42  are applied to a receiving circuit  56  which implements the detection, demodulation and decoding thereof. The decoded signals are applied to a microprocessor  58  which interprets them and provides the control signals for the message generator  52 . 
   Where the decoded signals correspond to a code identifying the product type, this identification code is transmitted to an accounting device  60  or interface identical to those used in the “bar” code systems and which is connected to a computing device  64  providing the prices of the items. This interface  60  displays on a screen  62  the price of each product which is passed in front of the interrogation/reading/writing device and adds up the prices corresponding to the different products. The total price of the products is displayed on the screen  62  as the products are passed in front of the interrogation/reading/writing device. 
   The interface  60  transmits messages and/or provides electrical signals to the interrogation/reading/writing device  40  and more particularly to the microprocessor  58 , in order to indicate thereto, in particular, that the price of the product has been accounted for and, consequently, that it can transmit to the electronic label of the product a message indicating for example that the product is free to leave the shop without being suspected of having been stolen. 
   This message will have the effect, in the electronic label, of updating, in the memory  22 , a so-called “anti-theft” code so as to avoid the triggering of an alarm upon passage of the product through an output barrier equipped with a device for interrogating/reading electronic labels which is especially adapted to read the anti-theft code. 
   The electronic label  10  is in the form of a sheet  72  made of a flexible insulating material, for example polypropylene, one face of which supports a metallic conductive winding  76  of a few turns  70  which implements the coil  14  ( FIG. 1 ). The ends of this winding  76 , in the form of pads  74  and  78 , are connected to the input/output terminals of an electronic integrated circuit  80  ( FIG. 1 ) which contains, among other things, the tuning capacitor  16  of the antenna  12  ( FIG. 1 ). 
   According to the invention, each SIM electronic smart card for a mobile telephone has associated with it a contactless electronic label of the type described in connection with  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This association can be implemented in different ways, either directly by fixing the electronic label on the support of the SIM smart card, or indirectly by fixing the electronic label on any packaging containing the mobile telephone electronic smart card, such as a box, envelope or pouch. 
   Where the mobile telephone SIM card  88  itself forms part of a card  90  of larger format, for example bank card format, and is detached therefrom by finger pressure which breaks bridges  94 , the electronic label  10  can be fixed on the part  92  of the card  90  which surrounds that carrying the SIM card. 
   According to the invention, at least part of the EF-ICC file of the SIM card is recorded in the memory  22  of the electronic label, this part concerning in particular:
         the serial number of the manufacturer;   the serial number of the card identifying its description, its series and its number in the series;   the “IMSI” international number of the subscriber defined above;   the “KI” authentication key or keys defined above;   the number identifying the associated “HLR” database for a group of subscribers defined above.       

   This information can represent fifteen to twenty bytes but, according to the invention, the capacity of the memory  22  is provided for recording other information relating to the SIM card distribution chain such as:
         a code identifying the distributor;   a code identifying the wholesaler;   a code identifying the retailer;   codes identifying dates of transfer between the participants in the distribution chain.       

   At the moment when the SIM card is associated with a telephone handset, the “MS-ISDN” serial number (defined above) identifying the handset can be recorded in the memory  22 . 
   This portable telephone handset  100  ( FIG. 5 ) comprises a screen  102 , a screen navigator  104 , a keypad  106  and an On/Off key  108 . It also comprises a send/receive antenna  110  for the radio-frequency link and connection terminals  112 , in particular for connecting to a battery charger or a peripheral such as an earphone. 
   The SIM smart card is inserted into the telephone handset  100  by its rear face so as to connect it to the electronic circuits of the telephone handset. 
   These serial numbers and codes are recorded in the memory  22  of the electronic label at different manufacturing and distribution steps by means of the interrogation/reading/writing device. 
   Thus, the serial numbers of the manufacturer of the card and of the card itself are recorded at the end of the manufacturing step both in the EF-ICC file of the SIM card and in the memory  22  of the electronic label associated therewith. 
   The codes identifying the participants in the distribution and the states of the transfers between the participants and all other information relating to distribution are recorded at each distribution step by means of the interrogation/reading/writing device. 
   The serial number identifying the handset is recorded in the memory  22  at the moment when a SIM card is associated with a handset, in particular at the moment of creation of the wrapping parcel  100  ( FIG. 4 ) or packaging containing the two elements: the SIM card on its support and the handset. As the contactless electronic label  10  remains fixed to the SIM card  88 , this electronic label can continue to be interrogated, recorded on and read by the interrogation/reading/writing device through the parcel wrapping or packaging. 
   At the moment when the SIM card is connected to the telephone handset, the electronic label is removed from the support  90  of the SIM card  88  and, depending on its dimensions, is fixed to the SIM card or to the telephone handset. This makes it possible to store all the information relating to the SIM smart card/telephone handset combination on a single electronic label. 
   The invention has been described by associating an electronic label on the packaging of the mobile telephone SIM smart card but it applies equally to the use of a contactless electronic label associated with the telephone handset which initially contains the information relating to the handset, information which can be contained in a file in a memory of the telephone handset, a file similar to the EF-ICC file of the SIM card. The memory of this electronic label associated with the handset can be updated as the distribution chain proceeds, in particular with the information in the EF-ICC file read from the SIM smart card at the time of their association. 
   It is clear that an electronic label can be associated, on the one hand, with the support of the SIM smart card or with its packaging and, on the other hand, with the telephone handset or its packaging, each label containing the information which relates to the associated product. At the end of the distribution chain ending in the sale of a complete mobile telephone apparatus, the memories of the two electronic labels should contain the same information if, at the time of the sale to the end customer, information is transferred from one electronic label to the other and vice-versa. 
   These various recording operations are performed by means of the interrogation/reading/writing device described in relation to  FIG. 1 . 
   The call number assigned to the purchasing subscriber could also be recorded in the memory  22  in the case where it is desirable to store in the electronic label all the information of the chain and to keep this label for a certain time. 
   In the description which has just been given of the invention, it is important to note that the electronic label which is associated with the SIM smart card and/or the telephone handset comprises a memory in which there is recorded over time not only the information relating to the associated product but also the information relating to distribution of the product. 
   The information relating to the associated product is, furthermore, contained in a file in a memory of the product itself and it is therefore easy to transfer it into the memory of the electronic label. This information relating to the associated product can also be recorded simultaneously in the memory of the product and in the memory of the electronic label at the end of manufacture.