Abstract:
A mobile communication apparatus is able to receive plural IC (e.g., USIM) cards and suitably control an operation of the apparatus using a selected one of the received IC cards. The mobile communication apparatus has plural sockets able to mount the plural USIM cards; the mounting of USIM cards in the sockets is detected. Activation of the USIM cards can be performed based upon this detection. After activation, position register information can be read from the activated USIM card(s) and location registry of the mobile communication apparatus with the network can be performed. Selection of an activated USIM card for establishing a communication link with the network may be carried out based upon various factors, including the time of use, a home location of the apparatus and information broadcast by a mobile network. As one advantage of the invention, it is possible to decrease call charges when the mobile communication apparatus is in a roaming country, if the mobile communication apparatus has a USIM card indicating a country code of the roaming country.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION  
         [0001]    This disclosure is related to and claims priority to Japanese Patent application P2001-5553 filed on Jan. 12, 2001, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.  
         FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a communication apparatus permitting insertion of an integrated circuit (IC) card for communicating, and particularly relates to a control method carried out by a communication apparatus into which a plurality of IC cards may be inserted.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    A Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card is necessary for the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), which is standardized in Europe. The SIM card can comprise a plurality of integrated circuits (IC). The SIM card is used for communicating with a mobile communication network. The SIM card includes information such as an authentication algorithm required for communication, an identification number, etc. The identification number is used for identifying a subscriber as a rightful user in the mobile network. A mobile phone in GSM can communicate with the network upon inserting the SIM card into the phone.  
           [0004]    Now, a third generation mobile phone system, which is called International Mobile Telecommunications 2000 (IMT2000), is being standardized all over the world. In the IMT2000, a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) card is necessary for communicating with a mobile communication network. The USIM card has basically the same function as the SIM card in the GSM.  
           [0005]    The USIM card includes data such as an authentication algorithm required for communication and an identification number for identifying a subscriber as a rightful user in the mobile communication system, same as the SIM card.  
           [0006]    The USIM card has a data storage section. The identification number is included in the storage section “Elementary File_International Mobile Subscriber Identity (EF_IMSI) in an Elementary File (EF)” as data. The mobile phone informs the mobile communication network of the identification number, for identifying the subscriber. The EF_IMSI also includes a code indicating a home country of the network to which the mobile phone belongs.  
           [0007]    For example, a subscriber A has a USIM card whose home country code is Japanese country code “81”, and whose whole telephone number is “09001234567”, and a subscriber B has a USIM card whose home country is Japanese country code “81”. When they are located in a roaming country and subscriber B calls subscriber A, subscriber B has to input the telephone number “81+09001234567”. In this case, at first, subscriber A&#39;s phone accesses a home network in its home country. After accessing the home network, the subscriber&#39;s phone accesses a roaming network in a roaming country. Accordingly, although subscriber A and subscriber B are located in the same roaming country and they have the same home country code, subscriber A has to pay an international call charge. Thus, a call charge is not determined by only the location of a calling subscriber and a called subscriber, but also depends on the home country code of the USIM card of the calling subscriber and that of the called subscriber. To avoid such charges, it is advantageous for a user to switch-out plural USIM cards having different home country codes.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    In consideration of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication apparatus capable of setting a plurality of IC cards to communicate with a network, wherein each of the IC cards has data to communicate with the network.  
           [0009]    In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication apparatus for communicating with a network selectively utilizing a plurality of IC units connected to the apparatus, each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network. A detector is configured to detect each of the IC units connected to the apparatus. An activator is configured to activate at least one of the detected IC units for communication with the network. A controller is configured to inform the network of data in the activated IC unit(s).  
           [0010]    This invention also provides a method for selectively utilizing a plurality of IC units connected to a mobile communication apparatus for communicating with a network, each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network. In the method, each of the IC units connected to the apparatus is detected. At least one of the detected IC units is activated for communication with the network, and the network is informed of data in the activated IC unit(s).  
           [0011]    In a third aspect, the invention provides a mobile communication apparatus for receiving a plurality of IC units to communicate with a network, each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network. Pluralities of sockets are configured to receive the plurality of IC units. A detector is configured to detect an IC unit received in a socket. An activator is configured to activate the detected IC unit for communication with the network. A controller is configured to inform the network of data in the activated IC unit.  
           [0012]    In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method carried out in a mobile communication apparatus for communicating with a network, the apparatus having a plurality of sockets for receiving a plurality of IC units, and each of the IC units having data for establishing a communication link with the network. An IC unit received in a socket is detected. The detected IC unit is activated for communication with the network, and the network is informed of data in the activated IC unit.  
           [0013]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent and fully understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in connection with the appended drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing functional elements of a mobile communication apparatus able to detachably mount a USIM card in one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail functional elements of the mobile communication apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of a process that may be carried out by the communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when a USIM card is inserted into each of plural sockets of the communication apparatus.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of another process that may be carried out by the communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when a USIM card is inserted into each of the plural sockets of the communication apparatus.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of another process that may be carried out by the communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when USIM cards are respectively inserted into the plural sockets of the communication apparatus.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a process carried out by the communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when a USIM card is inserted into one of the plural sockets of the communication apparatus and another USIM card is then further mounted in another one of the sockets.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of a process carried out by the mobile communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when USIM cards are respectively inserted into the plural sockets of the communication apparatus and one of the USIM cards is then pulled out of its socket.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of a process carried out by the mobile communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 after USIM cards are respectively inserted into the plural sockets of the communication apparatus and location registration is completed (incoming call).  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of a process carried out by the communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 after USIM cards are respectively inserted into the plural sockets of the mobile communication apparatus and location registration is completed (outgoing call).  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of a process for activating one of the USIM cards carried out by the mobile communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the USIM cards are respectively inserted into the plural sockets of the mobile communication apparatus.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 11 is a graphical representation of a process for deactivating one of the USIM cards carried out by the mobile communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the USIM cards are respectively inserted into the plural sockets of the mobile communication apparatus and are respectively activated.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of a process for selectively allowing communication with respect to USIM cards carried out by the mobile communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the USIM cards are respectively inserted into the plural sockets of this mobile communication apparatus and location registration is completed (outgoing call).  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 13 is a graphical representation of a process for selectively allowing signal arrival with respect to USIM cards carried out by the mobile communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the USIM cards are respectively inserted into the plural sockets of this mobile communication apparatus and location registration is completed (incoming call).  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 14 is a graphical representation of a process of signal transmission and arrival performed by automatically selecting for communication one of plural USIM cards mounted in the mobile communication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0028]    A control method carried out in a communication apparatus using an IC card in one embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the communication apparatus is a radio communication apparatus and the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) card is an IC card. As used herein, “IC card” includes, but is not limited to thin card-like structures. The term encompasses integrated circuit modules or units of various types and provided with various physical configurations that permit attachment/detachment of the same to/from a host apparatus.  
         [0029]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrated is a radio communication apparatus  10  to which a USIM card  1001  and  1002  may be detachably mounted. Each of USIM cards  1001  and  1002  stores various kinds of information, including identification information for identifying the subscriber in a mobile communication network, and a Mobile Country Code (MCC). USIM card  1001  and  1002  each have a data storage section. The storage section includes an Elementary File (EF). The EF includes a field “EF_IMSI”. The EF_IMSI includes the MCC. The MCC identifies the country of a mobile network with which a subscriber contracts.  
         [0030]    Radio communication apparatus  10  has connecting units  200 A and  200 B as shown in FIG. 2. Connecting unit  200 A has a socket  201  and a driver  241 . Connecting unit  200 B has a socket  202  and a driver  242 . Socket  201  is used for connecting a USIM card. Driver  241  drives the connected USIM card. Socket  202  is used for connecting a USIM card. Driver  242  drives the connected USIM card.  
         [0031]    Connecting units  200 A and  200 B are connected to a USIM controller  101  for controlling the USIM card, as shown in FIG. 1. The USIM controller includes a USIM detector a USIM activator  101 B and a USIM selector  101 C, as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0032]    As shown in FIG. 2, USIM detector  101 A detects an attachment or detachment of USIM card  1001  in response to a signal from a detector  221  for detecting a mounting of the USIM card  1001  in socket  201 . USIM detector  101 A also detects an attachment or detachment of USIM card  1002  in response to a signal from a detector  222  for detecting a mounting of USIM card  1002  in the socket  202 .  
         [0033]    USIM activator  101 B activates USIM card  1001  or USIM card  1002  for communicating with a mobile communication network. When USIM activator  101 B activates USIM card  1001 , it deactivates USIM card  1002 . When USIM activator  101 B activates the USIM card  1002 , it deactivates USIM card  1001 . USIM activator  101 B has a function of initializing the activated USIM card  1001 ,  1002 . A USIM selector  101 C selects one or more USIM cards for activating (as will be described).  
         [0034]    Radio communication apparatus  10  has a radio controller  102 , as shown in FIG. 1. Radio controller  102  has a location information detector  102 A, a location registering unit  102 B, a USIM card determining unit  102 C, a communication information detector  102 D and a communication controller  102 E. Location detector  102 A detects location information relative to an existing location of communication apparatus  10 . For example, location information detecting unit  102 A obtains a MCC. The MCC includes information identifying a home country. A location registering unit  102 B registers the detected information in a storing unit. USIM card determining unit  102 C determines a USIM card for communicating (as will be described). Communication information detector  102 D detects information from the determined USIM card for communicating with a mobile communication network. Communication controller  102 E controls communication with a mobile communication network.  
         [0035]    Communication apparatus  10  has a hardware control unit (HWC)  103  for controlling hardware in communication apparatus  10 , and an RF section  104  for communicating with a mobile communication network. RF section  104  receives data over a radio channel from the mobile communication network. HWC  103  reads the received data and inputs the read data to other parts of the radio communication apparatus. For example, RF section  104  receives location information and communication information for establishing a communication link. The received location information is inputted to location information detecting unit  102 A. The received communication information is inputted to communication information detector  102 D.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 3 is one example of a sequence executed by each functional block shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. An operation of one embodiment of this invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a sequence carried out when USIM  1001  is inserted in socket  201 .  
         [0037]    When a power source in the communication apparatus is turned on by a user or automatically after the USIM card  1001  is inserted to the socket  201  (S 1 ), the detector  221  detects states of a register in driver  241  (S 2 ). USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM  1001  is inserted in socket  201  with reference to the detected states (S 3 ). USIM detector  101 A informs USIM activator  101 B of the socket number into which the card is inserted (S 4 ). USIM activator  101 B activates USIM  1001  inserted in socket  201  (S 5 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM  1001  for communicating with a mobile network using USIM  1001 .  
         [0038]    After being activated, USIM  1001  transmits “Answer to Reset” data (ATR) to USIM activator  101 B (S 6 ). USIM activator  101 B can recognize that activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed upon receiving the ATR. USIM activator  101 B informs location information detector  102 A that activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed (S 7 ).  
         [0039]    After being notified that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed, location information detector  102 A requests, for reading, information from USIM card  1001  for location registration of the card to the mobile network  1001 (S 8 ) and reads the necessary information from USIM  1001  (S 9 ). Location information detector  102 A informs location registering unit  102 B of the read information (S 10 ). Location registering unit  102 B informs the mobile network of the read information for communicating with it. Thus, radio communication apparatus  10  communicates with the mobile network using USIM card  1001  (S 11 ).  
         [0040]    Each of FIGS. 4 and 5 shows a location registering process when plural USIM cards are inserted into radio communication apparatus  10 . FIG. 4 shows the process in which a location registration is executed by repeating steps with respect to USIM cards  1001  and  1002 .  
         [0041]    When a power source in the communication apparatus is turned on by a user or automatically after USIM card  1001  is inserted into socket  201  (S 11 ) and USIM card  1002  is inserted to the socket  202  (S 12 ), detector  221  detects the states of the registers in drivers  241  and  242  (S 2 ). USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM  1001  is inserted in socket  201  with reference to the detected states (S 31 ). The USIM detector informs USIM activator  101 B of the occupied socket number (S 41 ). Likewise, USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM  1001  is inserted in socket  202  with reference to the detected states (S 32 ), and informs USIM activator  101 B of the occupied socket number (S 42 ).  
         [0042]    USIM activator  101 B activates USIM  1001  inserted in socket  201  (S 51 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM  1001 , for communicating with a mobile network using USIM  1001 . After being activated, USIM  1001  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 61 ). USIM activator  101 B can recognize that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed upon receiving the ATR.  
         [0043]    USIM activator  101 B activates USIM  1002  inserted in socket  202  (S 52 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM  1002 , for communicating with a mobile network using USIM  1002 . After being activated, USIM  1002  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 62 ). USIM activator  101 B can recognize that the activation of USIM card  1002  has been completed upon receiving the ATR.  
         [0044]    USIM activator  101 B informs location information detector  102 A that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed (S 71 ). USIM activator  101 B informs location information detector  102 A that the activation of USIM card  1002  has been completed (S 72 ).  
         [0045]    After receiving notification that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed, location information detector  102 A requests, for reading, information for location registration of card  1001  to a mobile network, and reads the necessary information from the USIM  1001  (S 91 ). After receiving notification that the activation of USIM card  1002  has been completed, location information detector  102 A requests, for reading, information for location registration of card  1002  to a mobile network, and reads the necessary information from USIM  1002  (S 92 ).  
         [0046]    Location information detector  102 A informs location registering unit  102 B of the information read from USIM  1001  (S 101 ). Location information detector  102 A informs location registering unit  102 B of the information read from USIM  1002  (S 102 ). Location registering unit  102 B informs the mobile network of the read information for communicating using USIM card  1001  (S 11 ). Location registering unit  102 B informs the mobile network of the read information for communicating using USIM card  1002  (S 112 ).  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 5 shows an alternative process in which USIM card  1001  is processed from the activation to the location registration, after detection of the insertion of each of USIM cards  1001  and  1002 , and USIM card  1002  is then processed from the activation to the location registration processing.  
         [0048]    When a power source in the communication apparatus is turned on by a user or automatically after USIM card  1001  is inserted into the socket  201  (S 11 ), and the USIM card  1002  is inserted into socket  202  (S 12 ), detector  221  detects states of the registers in drivers  241  and  242  (S 2 ). USIM detector  101 A detects that the USIM  1001  is inserted in socket  201  with reference to the detected states (S 31 ). USIM detector  101 A informs USIM activator  101 B of the occupied socket number (S 41 ). USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM  1001  is inserted into socket  202  with reference to the detected states (S 32 ). USIM detector  101 A informs USIM activator  101 B of the inserted socket number (S 42 ). USIM activator  101 B activates USIM  1001  inserted in socket  201  (S 51 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM  1001  for communicating with a mobile network using the USIM  1001 .  
         [0049]    After being activated, USIM  1001  ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 61 ). USIM activator  101 B can recognize that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed upon receiving the ATR. USIM activator  100 B informs location information detector  102 A that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed (S 71 ). After receiving notification that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed, location information detector  102 A requests, for reading, information for location registration of card  1001  to a mobile network (S 11 ), and reads the necessary information from USIM  1001  (S 91 ). Location information detector  102 A informs location registering unit  102 B of the information read from USIM  1001  (S 101 ). Location registering unit  102 B informs the mobile network of the read information, for communicating using USIM card  1001  (S 111 ). USIM activator  101 B activates USIM  1002  inserted in socket  202  (S 52 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM  1002  for communicating with a mobile network using USIM  1002 .  
         [0050]    After being activated, USIM  1002  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 62 ). USIM activator  100 B can recognize that the activation of USIM card  1002  has been completed by receiving the ATR. USIM activator  101 B informs location information detector  102 A that activation of USIM card  1002  has been completed (S 72 ). After receiving notification that the activation of USIM card  1002  has been completed, location information detector  102 A requests, for reading, information for location registration of card  1002  to a mobile network (S 82 ), and reads the necessary information from USIM  1002  (S 92 ). Location information detector  102 A informs location registering unit  102 B of the information read from USIM  1002  (S 102 ). Location registering unit  102 B informs of mobile network of the read information, for communicating using USIM card  1002  (S 112 ).  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 6 shows a sequence when USIM card  1001  is inserted at power-up of communication apparatus  10 , and subsequently a second USIM card  1002  is additionally inserted. In this sequence, USIM detector  101 A detects the new insertion of USIM card  1002  with reference to a USIM card attachment-detachment status register, utilizing interruption processing.  
         [0052]    When a power source in the communication apparatus is turned on by a user or automatically after USIM card  1001  is inserted into socket  201  (S 11 ), detector  221  detects states of register in driver  241  (S 2 ). USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM card  1001  is inserted in socket  201  with reference to the detected register states (S 31 ). USIM detector  101 A informs USIM activator  101 B of the inserted socket number (S 41 ). USIM activator  101 B activates USIM card  1001  inserted in socket  201  (S 51 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM card  1001 , for communicating with a mobile network with using USIM  1001 . After being activated, USIM  1001  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 61 ). USIM activator  101 B can recognize that the activation of the USIM card  1001  has been completed upon receiving the ATR. The USIM activator  101 B informs location information detector  102 A that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed (S 71 ).  
         [0053]    After receiving notification that the activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed, location information detector  102 A requests, for reading, information for location registration of card  1001  to a mobile network (S 11 ), and reads the necessary information from USIM  1001  (S 91 ). Location information detector  102 A informs location registering unit  102 B of the information read from USIM  1001  (S 101 ). Location registering unit  102 B informs the mobile network of the read information, for communicating using USIM card  1001  (S 111 ).  
         [0054]    When a power source in the communication apparatus is turned on by a user or automatically, after USIM card  1001  is inserted into socket  202  (S 12 ), detector  222  detects states of register in driver  242  (S 2 ). USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM card  1002  is inserted in socket  202 , with reference to the detected states (S 32 ). The USIM detector informs USIM activator  101 B of the inserted socket number (S 42 ).  
         [0055]    USIM activator  101 B activates USIM card  1002  inserted in socket  202  (S 52 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM card  1002 , for communicating with a mobile network using USIM card  1002 . After being activated, USIM card  1002  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 62 ). The USIM activator  101 B can recognize that the activation of the USIM card  1002  has been completed upon receiving the ATR. USIM activator  100 B informs location information detector  102 A that the activation of the USIM card  1002  has been completed (S 72 ). After receiving notification that the activation of USIM card  1002  has been completed, location information detector  102 A requests, for reading, information for location registration of card  1002  to a mobile network (S 82 ), and reads the necessary information from USIM  1002  (S 92 ).  
         [0056]    Location information detector  102 A informs location registering unit  102 B of the information read from USIM  1002  (S 102 ). Location registering unit  102 B informs the mobile network of the read information, for communicating using USIM card  1002  (S 112 ).  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 7 shows an exemplary sequence carried out when USIM card  1002  is pulled out of socket  202  during a powered-up state. Process steps S 11  to S 112  in FIG. 7 are the same as the correspondingly numbered steps shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0058]    When USIM card  1002  is pulled out of socket  202  (S 122 ), USIM detector  101 A detects the pulling-out of the USIM card  1002  with reference to the attachment-detachment status register of USIM card  1002 , utilizing interruption processing (S 132 ). USIM detector  101 A informs communication controller  102 E that USIM card  1002  is removed (S 142 ). Communication controller  102 E inhibits the communication using USIM card  1002 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 8 shows an example of an incoming call initiating paging process carried out after a location registration using plural USIM cards is completed. The steps S 11 , S 12 , S 2 , S 31 , S 41 , S 32 , S 42 , S 111  and S 112  shown in FIG. 8 are the same as the correspondingly numbered steps shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, USIM card  1002  in the radio communication apparatus is paged.  
         [0060]    The radio communication apparatus in this embodiment monitors a paging signal over a radio channel. A mobile network broadcasts the paging signal over the radio channel to initiate a communication link. By the monitoring, communication controller  102 E in the radio communication apparatus determines whether or not a paging signal for paging the apparatus is received. When communication controller  102 E determines that the received paging signal is for radio communication apparatus (S 202 ), paging channel data included in the paging signal is transmitted to USIM card determining unit  102 C for identifying a paged USIM card (S 212 ). The mobile network has previously been informed, during the location registering process, of the radio communication apparatus information, including information about the USIM cards inserted into the apparatus.  
         [0061]    USIM card determining unit  102 C determines whether the received paging signal is paging USIM card  1001  or USIM card  1002 , based on the paging channel data received from communication controller  102 E (S 222 ). In this example, the received paging signal is for paging USIM card  1002 . After determining the paged card, USIM card determining unit  102 C transmits the socket number of USIM card  1002  to communication controller  102 E (S 232 ). Communication controller  102 E informs communication information detector  102 D of the transmitted socket number, which indicates USIM card  1002  as the card from which information for communicating with the mobile network (S 242 ) is to be read. Communication information detector  102 D reads the information from USIM card  1002  (S 252 ). After the reading processing, USIM card  1002  transmits to communication information detector  102 D a response signal to finish the reading (S 262 ).  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 9 shows an example of an originating process carried out after a location registration using plural USIM cards is completed. The steps S 11 , S 12 , S 2 , S 31 , S 41 , S 32 , S 42 , S 111  and S 112  shown in FIG. 9 are same as the correspondingly numbered steps shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the USIM card for communicating with the mobile network can be selected by a key operation of a user.  
         [0063]    When a user generates a call originating process with USIM card  1002  in the radio communication apparatus (S 302 ), communication controller  102 E transmits a request for reading information for communicating with the mobile network to communication information detector  102 D (S 312 ). Communication information detector  102 D reads the information from USIM card  1002  (S 322 ). After the reading processing, USIM card  1002  transmits to communication information detector  102 D a response signal to finish the reading (S 332 ). Communication information detector  102 D transmits the read information to communication controller  102 E (S 342 ). Communication controller  102 E communicates to the mobile network the transmitted information (S 352 ).  
         [0064]    Each of FIGS.  10  to  13  shows a process carried out in the radio communication apparatus for automatically selecting a USIM card in the case that plural USIM cards are mounted in the apparatus.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 10 shows an exemplary process for switching an activated USIM card. In this embodiment, USIM selector  101 C can select USIM card  1001  to activate according to a condition of the mobile apparatus. For example, when a power source in the communication apparatus is turned on by a user or automatically, after USIM card  1001  is inserted into socket  201  (S 11 ) and USIM card  1002  is inserted into socket  202  (S 12 ), detector  221  detects states of register in drivers  241  and  242  (S 2 ). USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM  1001  is inserted in socket  201  with reference to the detected states (S 31 ). USIM detector  101 A informs USIM activator  101 B of the inserted socket number (S 41 ). USIM activator  101 B informs USIM selector  101 C of the socket number (S 401 ).  
         [0066]    As described above, USIM selector  101 C can select USIM card  1001  to activate according to a condition of the mobile apparatus. USIM selector  101 C informs USIM activator  101 B of information to activate USIM card  1001  (S 411 ). For example, the condition in the mobile apparatus can be a time that USIM selector  101 C detects. USIM selector  101 C may select the USIM card to activate on the basis of the detected time. USIM selector  101 C can select USIM card  1001  in the morning, and USIM card  1002  in the night, for example. Another condition can be a match of the MCC communicated by a mobile network and country code of the USIM card. If USIM card  1001 , which has a country code “A”, and USIM card  1002 , which has a country code “B”, are inserted in the radio communication apparatus, and the MCC communicated by the network is “A”, USIM selector  101 C selects USIM card  1001  to activate in the radio communication apparatus. Another condition can be a cumulative time of calling to a particular country in the radio communication apparatus. For example, the apparatus has a USIM card  1001  whose country code is Japan, and a USIM card  1002  whose country code is Korea, and the user always, or usually, places calls to Japan from Korea, USIM selector  101 C may select USIM card  1001  to activate in the radio communication apparatus, because the cumulative time to call to Japan is bigger than that to Korea. These conditions can be set by a user of the radio communication apparatus.  
         [0067]    USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM  1002  is inserted in socket  202  with reference to the detected states (S 32 ). USIM detector  101 A informs USIM activator  101 B of the inserted socket number (S 42 ). USIM activator  101 B informs USIM selector  101 C of the socket number (S 402 ). As described above, USIM selector  101 C selects USIM card  1001  to activate in advance, in this embodiment. USIM selector  101 C informs USIM activator  101 B of information to deactivate USIM card  1002  (S 412 ). USIM activator  101 B activates USIM  1001  inserted in socket  201  (S 42 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM  1001  for communicating with a mobile network using USIM  1001 . After being activated, USIM card  1001  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 43 ). USIM activator  101 B can recognize that activation of USIM card  1001  has been completed upon receiving the ATR.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 11 shows an exemplary process for changing an activated USIM card to a deactivated one. In this embodiment, USIM selector  101 C can select USIM card  1001  to deactivate according to the above-described condition of the mobile apparatus. When a power source in the communication apparatus is turned on by a user or automatically, after USIM card  1001  is inserted into the socket  201  (S 11 ) and USIM card  1002  is inserted into socket  202  (S 12 ), detector  221  detects states of register in driver  241  and driver  242  (S 2 ). USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM  1001  is inserted in socket  201  with reference to the detected states (S 31 ). USIM detector  101 A informs USIM activator  110  B of the inserted socket number (S 41 ).  
         [0069]    USIM activator  101 B activates USIM  1001  inserted in socket  201  (S 421 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM card  1001 , for communicating with a mobile network using USIM card  1001 . After being activated, USIM  1001  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 431 ). USIM activator  101 B can recognize that the activation of the USIM card  1001  has been completed upon receiving the ATR.  
         [0070]    USIM detector  101 A detects that USIM  1002  is inserted in socket  202  with reference to the detected states (S 32 ). USIM detector  101 A informs USIM activator  101 B of the occupied socket number (S 42 ). USIM activator  101 B activates USIM  1002  inserted in socket  202  (S 422 ). In this action, power and clock signals are supplied to USIM  1002  for communicating with a mobile network using USIM card  1002 . After being activated, USIM  1002  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 432 ). USIM activator  101 B can recognize that the activation of the USIM card  1002  has been completed by receiving the ATR.  
         [0071]    When an above-described condition to deactivate the USIM card  1001  is formed (S 51 ), USIM selector  101 C communicates to USIM activator  101 B information to deactivate USIM card  1001  (S 52 ). USIM activator  101 B deactivates USIM  1001  inserted in socket  201  (S 53 ). After being deactivated, USIM  1001  transmits ATR to USIM activator  101 B (S 54 ).  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 12 shows a process for switching a USIM card with which to communicate. USIM card  1001  and USIM card  1002  are set to complete the registration of location information with a network (S 60 ). The process used may be the same as that described in FIG. 4, up to and through the location information registering process.  
         [0073]    When an above-described condition to deactivate the USIM card  1001  is formed (S 61 ), USIM selector  101 C communicates to communication controller  101 E information to deactivate USIM card  1001  (S 62 ). When a user generates a call originating process with USIM card  1002  in the radio communication apparatus (S 63 ), communication controller  102 E transmits a request, for reading information for communicating with the mobile network, to communication information detector  102 D (S 64 ). Communication information detector  102 D reads the information from USIM card  1002  (S 65 ). After the reading processing, USIM card  1002  transmits a response signal to finish the reading, to communication information detector  102 D (S 66 ). The communication information detector  102 D transmits the read information to communication controller  102 E (S 67 ). Communication controller  102 E communicates to the mobile network the transmitted information (S 68 ). When an originating process with USIM card  1001  is generated in this state, notification of invalidation of the origination process using USIM card  1001  is provided to a user by e.g., displaying this notification in a display of the radio communication apparatus.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 13 shows another process for switching a USIM card with which to communicate. Both USIM card  1001  and USIM card  1002  are set to complete the registration of location information with a network (S 60 ). The process used may be the same as that described in FIG. 4, up to and through the location information registering process.  
         [0075]    When an above-described condition to deactivate the USIM card  1001  is formed (S 61 ), USIM selector  101 C communicates to communication controller  101 E information to deactivate USIM card  1001  (S 62 ). After this process, communication controller  102 E cannot communicate with a mobile network using USIM card  1001 .  
         [0076]    Communication controller  102 E monitors a paging signal received from a mobile network and determines whether the monitored paging signal is for paging USIM card  1001  or USIM card  1002  (S 70 ). The paging signal is for paging USIM card  1002  in this example.  
         [0077]    After communication controller  102 E detects that the paging signal is for paging USIM card  1002 , paging channel data included in the paging signal is transmitted to USIM card determining unit  102 C to identify a socket number (S 71 ). USIM card determining unit  102 C detects the socket number of USIM card  1002  from the transmitted data (S 72 ). USIM card determining unit  102 C transmits the detected socket number of USIM card  1002  to communication controller  102 E (S 73 ). Communication controller  102 E informs communication information detector  102 D of the transmitted socket number, to read information for communicating with the mobile network (S 74 ). Communication information detector  102 D reads the information from USIM card  1002  (S 75 ). After the reading processing, USIM card  1002  transmits a response signal to finish the reading to the communication information detector  102 D (S 76 ). Communication information detector  102 D informs communication controller  102 E of the read information (S 77 ). After the read information is received, communication controller  102 E communicates with the mobile network (S 78 ).  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 14 shows an exemplary application of automatic selection from among plural USIM cards mounted in a radio communication apparatus, to communicate with a mobile network. In this example, a radio communication apparatus  10 B can communicate with a mobile network using a USIM card BJ or a USIM card BK. The USIM cards are inserted into apparatus  10 B. USIM card BJ has a country code indicating Japan. USIM card BK has a country code indicating Korea. Apparatus  10 B is set in advance to communicate with the mobile network using only an inserted USIM card, having a country code which is the same as the MCC broadcasted by the mobile network. If apparatus  10 B is located in Korea, apparatus  10 B selects USIM card BK to communicate with a mobile network  42  and communicates with the mobile network  42  in Korea using only USIM card BK.  
         [0079]    In a mobile communication network system of the prior art, a radio apparatus accommodates only one USIM card. If the USIM card has a country code which indicates Japan, the home location of Japan is registered in the mobile network  40 . When the user of a radio communication apparatus  10 A originates a call to a radio communication apparatus in Korea, a local call  1  (shown in FIG. 14) charge is charged to the user of apparatus  10 A. The international call charge (shown in FIG. 14) and local charge  2  (shown in FIG. 14) are paid by the user of the apparatus in Korea.  
         [0080]    On the other hand, in accordance with the invention, apparatus  10 B has selected card BK which is registered in mobile network  42 . When the user of radio communication apparatus  10 A originates a call to radio communication apparatus  10 B, a local call  1  charge and an international call charge are charged to the user of apparatus  10 A. Local charge  2  is paid by the user of the apparatus  10 B. This process helps the user of the apparatus  10 B decrease a call charge.  
         [0081]    As mentioned above, plural mounted USIM cards can be selectively used by recognizing the USIM cards in a mobile communication apparatus, and selectively individually accessing each of the USIM cards. Further, a mobile communication apparatus can communicate with selected ones of the plural USIM cards, to reduce the call charges to the mobile communication apparatus.  
         [0082]    While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous other embodiments, and variations and permutations of the above described exemplary embodiments, that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.