Patent Publication Number: US-2004043790-A1

Title: Selectable functionality communication systems and methodologies

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to selectable functionality mobile communication systems generally and to user interfaces and user interface cards for use therein.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The following U.S. patents and published U.S. patent applications are believed to represent the current state of the art:  
       [0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,434,648 and 6,037,933;  
       [0004] Published U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/860,660; 09/725,713; 09/773,091; 09/908,213 and 10/087,098.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] The present invention seeks to provide an improved selectable functionality mobile communication system, user interfaces and user interface cards for use therein.  
       [0006] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a user-interface card for use with an interactive communications device, the user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the interactive communications device in response to the actuation.  
       [0007] There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a user-interface subsystem for use with an interactive communications device, the user-interface subsystem including a user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the interactive communications device in response to the actuation and a user-interface card intermediary operative to communicate with the communications interface of the user-interface card and with the interactive communications device.  
       [0008] There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a physical hyperlink system including a user-selectable function operative device and a user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the user-selectable function operative device in response to the actuation.  
       [0009] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communications interface includes a plurality of ports. Additionally, a first one of the plurality of ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of the plurality of ports communicates information module data.  
       [0010] Preferably, the user-interface card also includes a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via the communications interface. Additionally or alternatively, the user-interface card also includes contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to the user in response to the actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Preferably, the contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.  
       [0011] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card also includes at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.  
       [0012] Preferably, the plurality of information modules includes at least one information string. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes video content. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes audio content. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes computer programs. Preferably, the plurality of information modules includes games. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes entertainment content. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes security information. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes gaming programs. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes a message. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes transactional information. Additionally, the plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from the server. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.  
       [0013] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card does not contain a source of electrical power.  
       [0014] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card also includes user actuable programming functionality. Alternatively, the user-interface card also includes user actuable personalization functionality.  
       [0015] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card also includes functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Additionally, the user-interface card also includes functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Alternatively, the user-interface card also includes functionality which changes the content of at least one of the plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.  
       [0016] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the device is a television set-top box. Additionally, the communications interface providing communication in response to the actuation also provides communication to another interactive communications device operating as a back-channel communicator.  
       [0017] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes an information module receiver operative to receive the information modules from the user-interface card and an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to the device. Additionally, the intermediary also includes an information module processor for processing at least some of the received information modules.  
       [0018] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes an information receiver operative to receive information from the device and an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to the user-interface card. Additionally, the user-interface card intermediary also includes an information processor for processing at least some of the received information.  
       [0019] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes at least one wireless communications link. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediary includes a plurality of intermediary ports. Preferably, a first one of the plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of the plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data. Additionally, the at least one wireless link interconnects the intermediary and the device.  
       [0020] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the physical hyperlink system also includes an intermediary for communicating with the user-interface card and with the user-selectable function operative device.  
       [0021] Preferably, the user-selectable function operative device is operative in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations on the user-interface card to cause information to be downloaded to the user-selectable function operative device. Additionally, the information to be downloaded is downloaded from the user-interface card. Alternatively, the information to be downloaded is downloaded from an external information source.  
       [0022] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-selectable function operative device includes a communicator. Alternatively, the user-selectable function operative device includes a game device. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-selectable function operative device includes a television and associated set-top box. Alternatively, the user-selectable function operative device includes a communicator connected to a communications network.  
       [0023] There is still further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function selectable mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one audio-visual information module which interacts with at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device.  
       [0024] There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function selectable mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device and causes the at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device to download information from an external source.  
       [0025] There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a television set-top box, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with at least one of the intermediary and the set-top box and causes the at least one of the intermediary and the set-top box to download information from an external source.  
       [0026] Preferably, the function actuation card includes a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the function selectable mobile device in response to the actuation.  
       [0027] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary and the mobile device communicate with each other in a wireless manner. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediary and the mobile device communicate with each other in a bi-directional communications manner.  
       [0028] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one information module is modifiable through communication between the function actuation card and at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device.  
       [0029] Preferably, the intermediary includes a user interface. In accordance with a preferred embodiment the user interface includes selection buttons. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface includes a ringer. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface includes an LED.  
       [0030] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes an information module receiver operative to receive the information modules from the function actuation card and an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to the function selectable mobile device. Additionally, the intermediary also includes an information module processor for processing at least some of the received information modules.  
       [0031] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes an information receiver operative to receive information from the function selectable mobile device and an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to the function actuation card. Additionally, the user-interface card intermediary also includes an information processor for processing at least some of the received information.  
       [0032] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communications interface includes a plurality of ports. Additionally, a first one of the plurality of ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of the plurality of ports communicates information module data.  
       [0033] Preferably, the function actuation card also includes a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via the communications interface. Additionally or alternatively, the function actuation card also includes contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to the user in response to the actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Preferably, the contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.  
       [0034] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card also includes at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.  
       [0035] Preferably, the plurality of information modules includes at least one information string. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes video content. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes audio content. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes computer programs. Preferably, the plurality of information modules includes games. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes entertainment content. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes security information. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes gaming programs. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes a message. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes transactional information. Additionally, the plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from the server. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.  
       [0036] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card does not contain a source of electrical power. Alternatively, the function actuation card contains at least one information module providing electrical power.  
       [0037] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card also includes user actuable programming functionality. Alternatively, the function actuation card also includes user actuable personalization functionality.  
       [0038] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes at least one wireless communications link. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediary includes a plurality of intermediary ports. Preferably, a first one of the plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of the plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data. Additionally, the at least one wireless link interconnects the intermediary and the function selectable mobile device.  
       [0039] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card also includes functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Additionally, the function actuation card also includes functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Alternatively, the function actuation card also includes functionality which changes the content of at least one of the plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.  
       [0040] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card contains at least one information module actuating functionality of the mobile device. Alternatively or additionally, the function actuation card contains at least one information module providing a mobile device ring tone.  
       [0041] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card also contains at least one information module which interacts with a communications device providing back-channel functionality in association with the set-top box.  
       [0042] There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a communication method including providing a user-selectable function operative device and a user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a plurality of information modules, actuating, by user selection, at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and communicating at least one of the plurality of information modules from the user interface card to the user-selectable function operative device.  
       [0043] There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication method including providing a function selectable mobile device, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one audio-visual information module and communicating information from the at least one audio-visual information module to at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device.  
       [0044] There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication method including providing a function selectable mobile device, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one information module, communicating information from the at least one information module to at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device; and downloading information from an external source to the at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device, in response to the communicating.  
       [0045] There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication method including providing a television set-top box, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one information module, communicating information from the at least one information module to at least one of the intermediary and the set-top box and downloading information from an external source to the at least one of the intermediary and the set-top box, in response to the communicating.  
       [0046] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communication method also includes communicating information between the card and the device. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes downloading information to the device. Preferably, the downloading includes downloading information from the card. Additionally or alternatively, the downloading includes downloading information from an external information source.  
       [0047] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating includes receiving the at least one of the plurality of information modules from the user-interface card and transmitting received information modules to the user-selectable function operative device. Additionally, the communicating also includes processing at least some of the received information modules.  
       [0048] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating information includes receiving information from the user-selectable function operative device and transmitting received information to the user-interface card. Additionally, the communicating information also includes processing at least some of the received information.  
       [0049] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating includes communicating contact location actuation data and communicating information module data.  
       [0050] Preferably, the method also includes providing feedback to a user in response to the actuating. Additionally, the providing feedback includes providing tactile feedback.  
       [0051] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating includes communicating via a wireless communications link.  
       [0052] In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the method also includes limiting the number of times at least one of the plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes changing information modules which are accessible in response to the actuating. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes changing the content of at least one of the plurality of information modules in response to the actuating.  
       [0053] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating also includes communicating to another user-selectable function operating device operating as a back-channel communicator.  
       [0054] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating also includes communicating to a user-selectable function operating device operating as a back-channel communicator.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0055] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:  
     [0056]FIGS. 1A, 1B,  1 C and  1 D are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0057]FIGS. 2A and 2B are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0058]FIGS. 3A, 3B and  3 C are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0059]FIGS. 4A, 4B,  4 C,  4 D and  4 E are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0060]FIGS. 5A, 5B and  5 C are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0061]FIGS. 6A and 6B are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0062]FIGS. 7A, 7B and  7 C are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0063]FIGS. 8A and 8B are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0064]FIGS. 9A, 9B,  9 C and  9 D are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0065]FIGS. 10A, 10B,  10 C,  10 D and  10 E are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0066]FIGS. 11A, 11B and  11 C are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D;  
     [0067]FIG. 12 is a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;  
     [0068]FIGS. 13A and 13B are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  3 A- 3 C;  
     [0069]FIGS. 14A, 14B and  14 C are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  4 A- 4 E;  
     [0070]FIGS. 15A and 15B are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  5 A- 5 C;  
     [0071]FIGS. 16A and 16B are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 6A and 6B;  
     [0072]FIGS. 17A and 17B are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  7 A- 7 C;  
     [0073]FIG. 18 is a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 8A  8 B;  8 B;  
     [0074]FIGS. 19A and 19B are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  9 A- 9 D;  
     [0075]FIGS. 20A, 20B and  20 C are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  10 A- 10 E;  
     [0076]FIGS. 21A and 21B are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D;  
     [0077]FIG. 22 is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;  
     [0078]FIG. 23 is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  3 A- 3 C;  
     [0079]FIGS. 24A, 24B and  24 C are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  4 A- 4 E;  
     [0080]FIGS. 25A and 25B are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  5 A- 5 C;  
     [0081]FIG. 26 is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 6A and 6B;  
     [0082] FIGS.  27  is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  7 A- 7 C;  
     [0083]FIG. 28 is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  8 A- 8 B;  
     [0084]FIGS. 29A and 29B are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  9 A- 9 D;  
     [0085]FIGS. 30A, 30B and  30 C are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  10 A- 10 E;  
     [0086]FIG. 31 is a simplified illustration of a user interface card constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0087]FIG. 32 is an exploded view illustrating four layers of the interface card of FIG. 31;  
     [0088]FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the organization of information in the card of FIGS. 31 &amp; 32;  
     [0089]FIG. 34 is a simplified illustration of a user-interface card intermediary constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0090]FIG. 35 is an exploded view illustrating the user-interface card intermediary of FIG. 34 in association with the interface card of FIGS. 31 and 32;  
     [0091]FIGS. 36A, 36B,  36 C,  36 D,  36 E and  36 F are drawings of the electrical circuitry in the card of FIGS. 31 &amp; 32 and the intermediary of FIGS. 34 &amp; 35; and  
     [0092]FIG. 37 is a simplified flow chart illustrating the functionality of software incorporated in the circuitry of FIGS.  36 A- 36 F.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0093] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A, 1B,  1 C and  1 D, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1A, a typical scenario begins with a sports fan, carrying a mobile telephone  100 , purchasing a mobile communication system user interface card  102 , at a ticket window or other retail outlet.  
     [0094] Although the illustrated embodiments show a generally rectangular, two-dimensional, user interface card  102 , it is appreciated that the user interface card  102  may be of any shape, such as circular or a geometrically irregular shape, such as a beverage bottle or car. It is further appreciated that the user interface cards described in all of the embodiments contained hereinbelow may also be of any shape.  
     [0095] At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a game, while seated in the stands, the sports fan may insert the card  102  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  104 , a suitably equipped computer or mobile communicator, or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The sports fan may employ the card  102  and the facilitator  104  in one of a number of different functional contexts, three examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 1B, 1C and  1 D respectively.  
     [0096] Turning to FIG. 1B, it is seen that the sports fan, or any other user, may upload a selected ring tone onto his telephone  100  by pressing on a “RINGTONE” button  106  on card  102 , causing a ring tone information module to be communicated from card  102  to or through facilitator  104  and enabling facilitator  104  to communicate the ring tone to the telephone  100 , typically in a wireless manner, as shown, in order to enable playing of the ring tone. In the illustrated embodiment, IR communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  102  and the telephone  100  may be employed.  
     [0097]FIG. 1C shows use of the card  102 , the facilitator  104  and the telephone  100  to download a real-time video clip of sports action to the sport fan&#39;s telephone. The sports action is photographed, typically in real time, by a camera  110 , such as a webcam, and is transmitted, typically via the Internet, to a server  112 . The sports fan presses on a “LIVE UPDATES” button  114  on card  102 , typically causing an information module containing a live update request to be communicated from card  102  to or through facilitator  104  and enabling facilitator  104  to communicate the request to the telephone  100 . The telephone  100 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with server  112  and obtains the requested live update, which is displayed on the telephone  100 , as designated by reference number  116 .  
     [0098] Turning to FIG. 1D, it is seen that card  102 , facilitator  104  and telephone  100  may be employed to download sports information to the sport fan&#39;s telephone. The sports information may be stored in server  112  in a real-time accessible manner. The sports fan presses on a “SPORTS INFO” button  120  on card  102 , typically causing an information module containing a sports information request to be communicated from card  102  to or through facilitator  104  and enabling facilitator  104  to communicate the request to the telephone  100 . The telephone  100 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with server  112  and obtains the requested sports information, which is displayed on the telephone  100 , as designated by reference number  122 .  
     [0099] It is noted that in an environment wherein an external server is involved, such as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1C and 1D and other embodiments described hereinbelow, the interaction with the server may be employed additionally to effect payment for functionalities actuated via the function actuation card of the present invention. Thus, for example, in such an environment, the card could be distributed for free or a nominal cost and some or all of the user actuable functionalities could be billable through a network-based billing system, preferably a mobile operator or television satellite or cable operator billing system.  
     [0100] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 2A, a typical scenario begins with a child purchasing a mobile communication system kit for use with a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)  200 , which kit preferably includes a user interface card  202  and an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  204  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary at a toy shop or other retail outlet.  
     [0101] At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a bus ride, the child may insert the card  202  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  204  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The child may employ the card  202  and the facilitator  204  to communicate with his PDA  200  in a number of different functional contexts, one of which is described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 2B.  
     [0102] Turning to FIG. 2B, it is seen that the child, or any other user, may upload a selected game onto his PDA  200  by pressing on a “PLAY GAME” button  206  on card  202 , causing a game information module to be communicated from card  202  to or through facilitator  204  and enabling facilitator  204  to communicate the request to the PDA  200 , typically in a wireless manner, as shown, in order to play the requested game. In the illustrated embodiment, RF communication, or more specifically, a BlueTooth wireless data communication system is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  202  and the PDA  200  may be employed. The requested game is played on the PDA screen, as designated by reference number  208 .  
     [0103] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A, 3B and  3 C which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 3A, a typical scenario begins with a teenage girl purchasing a mobile communication system user interface card  302  at a clothing store or other retail outlet for use with a mobile telephone  300 .  
     [0104] At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a get-together with girlfriends, the teenage girl may insert the card  302  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  304  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary to upload a selected feature onto her telephone  300 . The teenage girl may employ the card  302  and the facilitator  304  in one of a number of different functional contexts, two examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C respectively.  
     [0105] In FIG. 3B, it is seen that the teenage girl, or any other user, may view a selected display of fashion apparel, such as an item from the latest spring collection, on her telephone  300  by pressing on a “SPRING COLLECTION” button  306  on the card  302 , causing a “SPRING COLLECTION” request information module to be communicated from the card  302  to or through the facilitator  304  and enabling the facilitator  304  to communicate the “SPRING COLLECTION” request to the telephone  300 . The telephone  300 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with a server  308  and obtains a requested spring collection image, which is displayed on the telephone  300 , as designated by reference number  310 . As seen in FIG. 3B, the image  310  may then be transmitted via a mobile network, to another user for display, for example, on their mobile telephone.  
     [0106] Turning to FIG. 3C, it is seen that the card  302 , the facilitator  304  and the telephone  300  may be employed to enter a fashion sweepstakes and link up to the fashion sweepstakes internet site. The sweepstakes internet site is linked to a server  308 . The teenage girl presses on a “CLICK TO WIN” button  312  on the card  302 , typically causing an information module containing a “CLICK TO WIN” request to be communicated from the card  302  to or through the facilitator  304  and enables the facilitator  304  to communicate the request to the telephone  300 . The telephone  300 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with the server  308  and obtains the fashion sweepstakes entry response, which is displayed on the telephone  300  screen, as designated by reference number  314  and enables further browsing of the fashion sweepstakes internet site as displayed on the telephone  300  screen, designated by reference number  316 .  
     [0107] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A, 4B and  4 C, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 4A, a typical scenario begins with a consumer receiving a mobile communication system user interface card  402 , via mail or any other means of delivery.  
     [0108] At any appropriate time thereafter, such as while watching a television program, the consumer may insert the card  402  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  404  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary to upload a selected feature onto his television set via an interactive television application, such as a set top box  405 . The consumer may employ the card  402  and the facilitator  404  in one of a number of different functional contexts, three examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS.  4 B- 4 E.  
     [0109] In FIG. 4B, it is seen that the consumer, or any other user, may upload a selected music video clip to be displayed on his TV screen by pressing on a “VIEW VIDEO 1” button  406  on the card  402  causing a “VIEW VIDEO 1” information module to be communicated from the card  402  to or through the facilitator  404  and enabling the facilitator  404  to communicate the music video clip request to the set top box  405 , typically in a wireless manner as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, infrared or RF communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  402  and the set top box  405  may be employed. The set top box  405 , in turn, switches to another broadcasting channel to display the requested music video clip on the television screen, as designated by reference number  408 .  
     [0110] If the consumer wishes to purchase a compact disk of the music video clip, he orders a selected music video clip pressing on a “BUY VIDEO 1” button  410  on the card  402 , causing a “BUY VIDEO 1” information module to be communicated from the card  402  to or through the facilitator  404  and enabling the facilitator  404  to communicate the music video clip compact disk purchase order to the set top box  405 . The set top box  405 , in turn, communicates, via a return channel network such as a cable network, with a TV network server  412 , typically located at a service center  414 . A confirmation of the order receipt may be displayed on the television screen, as designated by reference number  416 . In response to a prompt from the TV network server  412  a service center representative arranges for the requested music video clip compact disk to be delivered to the consumer.  
     [0111]FIG. 4C shows use of the card  402 , the facilitator  404  and a telephone  418  to order a music video compact disk. The consumer presses on a “BUY VIDEO 1” button  420  on the card  402 , typically causing an information module containing a “BUY VIDEO 1” request to be communicated from the card  402  to or through the facilitator  404  and enabling the facilitator  404  to communicate the request to his mobile telephone  418 , typically in a wireless manner as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, infrared communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  402  and the telephone  418  may be employed. The telephone  418 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with a mobile server  422  and transmits the “BUY VIDEO 1” request. The mobile server  422 , in turn, communicates, via Internet, with a TV network server  424 , typically located at a service center  426 . A confirmation of the order receipt is displayed on the television screen, as designated by reference number  428 . When prompted by server  424  a service center representative arranges for the music video compact disk to be delivered to the consumer.  
     [0112] The mobile server  422 , in turn, communicates, via Internet, with the TV network server  424 . A confirmation of the order receipt may also be displayed on the telephone  418 , as designated by reference number  430 .  
     [0113] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4D and 4E, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 4D, a typical scenario begins with a consumer watching a television program.  
     [0114] At any appropriate time thereafter, the consumer may insert the mobile communication system user interface card  402  into a card enabled set top box remote controller  432  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary to upload a selected feature onto his television set via an interactive set top box  405 . The consumer may employ the card  402  in a number of different functional contexts, one examples of which is described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 4E.  
     [0115] In FIG. 4E, it is seen that the consumer may upload a selected music video to be displayed on his TV screen by pressing on a “VIEW VIDEO 1” button  406  on the card  402  causing a “VIEW VIDEO 1” information module to be communicated from the card  402  to the set top box  405 , typically in a wireless manner as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, infrared or RF communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  402  and the set top box  405  may be employed. The set top box  405 , in turn displays the requested music video clip on the television screen, as designated by reference number  434 .  
     [0116] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B and  5 C, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 5A, a typical scenario begins with a member of a fan club, carrying a mobile telephone  500 , purchasing a user interface card  502 , here functioning as a mobile communication system refill card, at a vending machine or other retail outlet.  
     [0117] At any appropriate time thereafter, the fan club member may insert the card  502  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  504  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The fan club member may employ the card  502  and the facilitator  504  in one of a number of different functional contexts, two examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 5B and 5C, respectively.  
     [0118] In FIG. 5B, it is seen that the fan club member, or any other user, may increase the balance of his prepaid account by pressing on a “ADD $10” button  506  on card  502 , causing a “ADD $10” information module containing a secret PIN number to be communicated from card  502  to or through facilitator  504  and enabling facilitator  504  to communicate the “ADD $10” request containing a secret PIN number to the telephone  500 . In the illustrated embodiment, a wired connection is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  502  and the telephone  500  may be employed. The telephone  500 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with a server  508  and transmits the request, to add $10 to his prepaid account, containing a secret PIN number. Increase of balance confirmation is displayed on the telephone  500 , as designated by reference number  510 .  
     [0119] Turning to FIG. 5C, it is seen that the fan club member, or any other user, may initiate a telephone call from the mobile telephone  500  by pressing on a “CALL THE FAN CLUB” button  512  on the card  502 , causing a “CALL THE FAN CLUB” information module to be communicated from the card  502  to or through the facilitator  504  and enabling the facilitator  504  to communicate the “CALL THE FAN CLUB” request to the telephone  500 . In the illustrated embodiment, a wired connection is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  502  and the telephone  500  may be employed. The telephone  500 , in turn, via a mobile network  514 , dials a telephone number to place a telephone call to the fan club destination.  
     [0120] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 6A, a typical scenario begins with a lottery player, purchasing a mobile communication system user interface card  602 , here functioning as a lottery card, at a lottery ticket booth or other retail outlet. At the lottery ticket booth the lottery ticket card  602  is issued a secret number by the point-of-sale terminal  603 .  
     [0121] At any appropriate time thereafter, the lottery player may insert the card  602  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  604  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The lottery player may employ the card  602  and the facilitator  604  in a number of different functional contexts, one of them described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 6B.  
     [0122] Turning to FIG. 6B, it is seen that the lottery player, or any other user, may select a given lottery entry ticket by pressing on a “LOTTERY TICKET” button  606  on card  602 , causing a “LOTTERY TICKET” information module containing a secret lottery number to be communicated from the card  602  to or through the facilitator  604  and enabling the facilitator  604  to communicate the lottery entry request containing a secret lottery number to the telephone  608 . In the illustrated embodiment, a wired connection is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  602  and the telephone  608  may be employed. The telephone  608 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with a server  610  and obtains the lottery entry request. The lottery results are displayed on the telephone  610 , as designated by reference number  612 .  
     [0123] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and  7 C, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 7A, a typical scenario begins with a customer, carrying a mobile telephone  700 , purchasing a mobile communication system user interface card  702 , at a facilitator sales/service location or other retail outlet.  
     [0124] At any appropriate time thereafter, the customer may insert the card  702  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  704  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The customer may employ the card  702  and the facilitator  704  in one of a number of different functional contexts, two examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7B and 7C, respectively.  
     [0125] Turning to FIG. 7B, it is seen that once a notice of required phone software upgrade is displayed on the telephone screen, the customer, or any other user, may upload a telephone software upgrade onto his telephone  700  by pressing on a “UPGRADE PHONE” button  706  on card  702  causing a telephone software upgrade information module to be communicated from card  702  to or through facilitator  704  and enabling facilitator  704  to communicate the selected telephone software upgrade to the telephone  700 . In the illustrated embodiment, infrared communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  702  and the telephone  700  may be employed. A confirmation of phone software upgrade is displayed on the telephone screen, as designated in reference number  708 .  
     [0126] In FIG. 7C, it is seen that once a notice of required facilitator software upgrade is displayed on the telephone screen, the customer, or any other user may upload facilitator upgrade software, stored in the card  702 , by pressing on an “UPGRADE FACILITATOR” button  710  on card onto facilitator  704  causing a facilitator software upgrade information module to be communicated from the card  702  to the facilitator  704 . Upon completion of the facilitator software upgrade a facilitator upgrade confirmation is communicated from the card  702  to or through the facilitator  704  enabling communication of the facilitator upgrade confirmation to the telephone  700 . In the illustrated embodiment, infrared communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  702  and the telephone  700  may be employed. A facilitator software upgrade confirmation is displayed on the telephone screen, as designated in reference number  712 .  
     [0127] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 8A, a typical scenario begins with a young customer, purchasing a mobile communication system user interface card  802  at a facilitator sales/service location or other retail outlet.  
     [0128] At any appropriate time thereafter, the young customer may insert the card  802  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  804  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The customer may employ the card  802  and the facilitator  804  in a number of different functional contexts, one of which is described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 8B.  
     [0129] In FIG. 8B, it is seen that once a notice of required facilitator software upgrade is displayed on the telephone screen, the young customer, or any other user may upload a facilitator upgrade software onto the facilitator  804  by pressing on an “UPGRADE FACILITATOR” button the  808  on the card  802 , causing a facilitator upgrade information module to be communicated from the card  802  to the facilitator  804  and enables the facilitator  804  to communicate the selected facilitator upgrade software to the telephone  806 . In the illustrated embodiment, infrared communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  802  and the telephone  806  may be employed. The telephone  806 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with a server  810  and obtains the “UPGRADE FACILITATOR” request. Upon completion of the facilitator software upgrade a facilitator upgrade confirmation is communicated from the card  802  to or through the facilitator  804  enabling the facilitator  804  to communicate the facilitator upgrade confirmation to the telephone  806 . In the illustrated embodiment, infrared communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card  802  and the telephone  806  may be employed. A facilitator software upgrade confirmation is displayed on the telephone screen, as designated in reference number  812 .  
     [0130] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A, 9B,  9 C and  9 D, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 9A, a typical scenario begins with a teenage boy, purchasing a mobile communication system user interface card  902 , at a supermarket or other retail outlet.  
     [0131] At any appropriate time thereafter, the teenage boy may insert the card  902  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  904  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The teenage boy may employ the card  902  and the facilitator  904  in a number of different functional contexts, two of which are described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 9B, 9C and  9 D.  
     [0132] In FIG. 9B, it is seen that the teenage boy, or any other user, may cause a trivia game to be downloaded to his mobile telephone  905  by inserting the card  902  into the facilitator  904  causing a “TRIVIA GAME” request information module to automatically be communicated from card  902  to or through facilitator  904  and enabling facilitator  904  to communicate the game request to the telephone  905 . The telephone  905 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with server  908  and displays a subsequent message on a display  912  of the telephone  905  to start the game. By pressing the keypad of the telephone, the telephone  905  communicates, via a mobile network, with server  908  and enables playing of the requested game, which is displayed on the telephone display  912 .  
     [0133]FIGS. 9C &amp; 9D together show use of a card  922 , a facilitator  924  and the telephone  905  to cause a trivia game to be downloaded to telephone  905 . The teenage boy presses on selection buttons  926  on the facilitator  924 . The buttons  926  are used to select from options that can be viewed on a display screen  928  on the facilitator  924 . Pressing a select button  930  causes an information module containing a game request to be communicated from card  922  to facilitator  924  and enables facilitator  924  to communicate the request to the telephone  905 . The telephone  905 , in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with server  908 , downloads the requested game from server  908  and displays the requested game&#39;s introduction on the telephone display  912 . Facilitator  924  may also include a LED  932  and/or a ringer  934 , typically to provide confirmation to the user that his request is being processed. The user then receives a subsequent message on the telephone display  912  to start the game. By a user pressing the selection buttons on the facilitator  924 , the facilitator  924 , communicates, via a mobile network, with server  908  and enables playing of the requested game, which is displayed on the telephone display  912 .  
     [0134] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A, 10B and  10 C, which are, taken together, a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 10A, a typical scenario begins with a PC user browsing through an Internet site  1000 , displayed on a screen of a computer  1001 , that presents simulated programmable cards that can be downloaded onto a user interface card  1002 , and downloading a selected card.  
     [0135] At any appropriate time thereafter, the PC user may effect the download by inserting the user interface card  1002  into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  1004  or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary and connecting facilitator  1004 , via a connector  1007 , to the computer  1001 . As seen in FIG. 10B, the PC user may download selected information modules onto her card  1002  by pressing on a “PROGRAM CARD” button  1006  on card  1002 , causing a “PROGRAM CARD” request information module to be communicated from card  1002  to or through facilitator  1004  and enabling facilitator  1004  to communicate the request to the computer  1001 . In the illustrated embodiment, connector  1007  is a wired connector, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication connector between the facilitator  1004  and the computer  1001  may be employed. In response to the “PROGRAM CARD” request, the computer  1001  downloads the desired information module, thus programming user interface card  1002 . Upon completion of the programming  1001  displays a confirmation of programming completion on the screen of computer  1001 , as designated in reference numeral  1008 .  
     [0136]FIG. 10C shows use of the card  1002 , the facilitator  1004  and a telephone  1010  to program a card  1002  with new information modules. The PC user presses on a “PROGRAM CARD” button  1006  on card  1002 , typically causing an information module containing a “PROGRAM CARD” request to be communicated from the card  1002  to or through facilitator  1004  and enabling facilitator  1004  to communicate the request to the telephone  1010 . The telephone  1010  in turn communicates, via a mobile network, with a server  1012  and obtains the requested new information modules, via the Internet. Upon completion of the programming the telephone  1010  displays a confirmation of completion of programming on the telephone screen, as designated by reference numeral  1014 .  
     [0137] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10D and 10E, which together are a simplified pictorial illustration of operation of a selectable functionality mobile communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 10D, a typical scenario begins with the consumer obtaining a telephone  1050  having integral facilitator or other intermediary functionality. One example of such a telephone could be a Nokia Model 3510i of Nokia, U.S.A. having a removable back cover, which has been replaced by a back cover  1052  incorporating the functionality of a facilitator or other intermediary of the type described herein, as well as a battery. The facilitator functionality/telephone communication link is preferably hard wired inside the telephone.  
     [0138] The consumer may employ the telephone  1050  having facilitator functionality in a number of different functional contexts, one of which is described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 10E.  
     [0139] Turning to FIG. 10E, it is seen that the consumer may upload a selected image onto her telephone  1050  by pressing on a “PICTURE” button  1060  on card  1002 , causing a image information module to be communicated from card  1002  to the telephone  1050 , typically by direct insertion of the card  1002  into a slot  1054  formed on the replacement back cover  1052 , as shown, in order to display the image on the telephone screen, as designated in reference numeral  1064 . In the illustrated embodiment, the card is inserted directly into the back cover of the telephone, it being understood that any other suitable type of operative engagement between the card  1002  and the telephone  1050  may be employed.  
     [0140] It is to be appreciated that the foregoing description and drawings present various examples of various features of systems and subsystems constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Novel combinations of the features described hereinabove in various different contexts are within the scope of the present invention.  
     [0141] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A, 11B and  11 C, which are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  1 A- 1 D. As seen in FIG. 11A, which corresponds to FIG. 1B, in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the ringtone button  106 , a ringtone select information module is transmitted from the card  102  to the facilitator  104 , causing the facilitator  104  to pull from card  102 , an audio information module containing the selected ringtone.  
     [0142] The facilitator  104 , preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone  100 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  104  transmits audio information containing the selected ringtone in a format suitable for use by telephone  100 . This audio information may be identical to that received from card  102  or may have undergone processing in the facilitator  104  in order to adapt it to telephone  100 .  
     [0143] Turning to FIG. 11B, which corresponds to FIG. 1C, it is seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “LIVE UPDATE” button  114 , a “LIVE UPDATE” select information module is transmitted from the card  102  to the facilitator  104 , causing the facilitator  104  to pull from card  102 , a “LIVE UPDATE” request information module.  
     [0144] The facilitator  104 , preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone  100 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  104  transmits a “LIVE UPDATE” request to the telephone  100  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  100 , in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, a “LIVE UPDATE” video stream request to server  112 . The server provides a requested “LIVE UPDATE” video stream, which is displayed on the telephone  100 , as designated by reference number  116 .  
     [0145]FIG. 11C, which corresponds to FIG. 1D, illustrates that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “SPORTS INFO” button  120 , a “SPORTS INFO” select information module is transmitted from the card  102  to the facilitator  104 , causing the facilitator  104  to pull from card  102 , a “SPORTS INFO” request information module.  
     [0146] The facilitator  104 , preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone  100 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  104  transmits a “SPORTS INFO” request to the telephone  100  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  100 , in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, “SPORTS INFO” data request to server  112 . The server provides the requested “SPORTS INFO” data, which is displayed on the telephone  100 , as designated by reference number  122 .  
     [0147] Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which is a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 2A and 2B. As seen in FIG. 12, which corresponds to FIG. 2B, in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “PLAY GAME” button  206 , a game select information module is transmitted from the card  202  to the facilitator  204 , causing the facilitator  204  to pull from card  202 , an “PLAY GAME” information module containing the selected game.  
     [0148] The facilitator  204 , preferably communicating via a RF channel or more specifically a BlueTooth channel, with the PDA  200 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the PDA and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  204  transmits software information containing the selected game in a format suitable for use by the PDA  200 . This information may be identical to that received from card  202  or may have undergone processing in the facilitator  204  in order to adapt it to the PDA  200 .  
     [0149] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A and 13B, which are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  3 A- 3 C. Turning to FIG. 13A, which corresponds to FIG. 3B, it is seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “SPRING COLLECTION” image button  306 , a “SPRING COLLECTION” select information module is transmitted from the card  302  to the facilitator  304 , causing the facilitator  304  to pull from card  302 , a “SPRING COLLECTION” request information module.  
     [0150] The facilitator  304 , preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone  300 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  304  transmits a “SPRING COLLECTION” request to the telephone  300  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  300 , in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, a “SPRING COLLECTION ” image request to server  308 . The server provides the requested “SPRING COLLECTION” image, which is displayed on the telephone  300 , as designated by reference number  310 .  
     [0151] In FIG. 13B, which corresponds to FIG. 3C, it is seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the CLICK TO WIN button  312 , a CLICK TO WIN select information module is transmitted from the card  302  to the facilitator  304 , causing the facilitator  304  to pull from card  302 , a CLICK TO WIN request information module.  
     [0152] The facilitator  304 , preferably communicating via wired connection with telephone  300 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  304  transmits a “CLICK TO WIN” draw entry request to the telephone  300  in a format suitable for the telephone  300 , causing the telephone  300 , in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, a “CLICK TO WIN” request to server  308 . The server provides the requested “CLICK TO WIN” draw results, which are displayed on the telephone  300 , as designated by reference number  314  and enables further browsing of fashion sweepstakes internet site.  
     [0153] Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A and 14B, which are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality communication system of FIGS.  4 A- 4 C. Turning to FIG. 14A, which corresponds to FIG. 4B, it is seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “VIEW VIDEO 1” button  406 , a “VIEW VIDEO 1” select information module is transmitted from the card  402  to the facilitator  404 , causing the facilitator  404  to pull from card  402  a “VIEW VIDEO 1” request information module.  
     [0154] The facilitator  404  preferably communicates via an infrared or RF channel with an interactive television device such as a set top box  405 , which transmits a “VIEW VIDEO 1” request to a set top box  405 . The set top box  405  displays the requested music video clip on the television screen, as designated by reference number  408 .  
     [0155] It is also seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “BUY VIDEO 1” button  410  a “BUY VIDEO 1” select information module is transmitted from the card  402  to the facilitator  404 , causing the facilitator  404  to pull from card  402  a “BUY VIDEO 1” request information module.  
     [0156] The facilitator  404 , preferably communicating via infrared or RF channel with an interactive television device such as a set top box  405 , transmits a “BUY VIDEO 1” video request to a set top box  405 . The set top box  405 , in turn, communicates via a cable or satellite TV network or any other suitable return channel, the “BUY VIDEO 1” request to TV network server  412 , which in turn, transmits an order receipt confirmation that is displayed on the TV screen. A service center responds to the “BUY VIDEO 1” request transmitted by the server  412  and arranges for delivery of the music clip compact disk.  
     [0157] In FIG. 14B, which corresponds to FIG. 4C, it is seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “BUY VIDEO 1” button  412 , a “BUY VIDEO 1” select information module is transmitted from the card  402  to the facilitator  404 , causing the facilitator  404  to pull from card  402 , a “BUY VIDEO 1” request information module.  
     [0158] The facilitator  404 , preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone  418 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  404  transmits a “BUY VIDEO 1” request to the telephone  418  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  418 , in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, the “BUY VIDEO 1” request to mobile communications server  422  which communicates, via the Internet, with TV network server  4240 . Server  420  communicates, via a cable or satellite TV network or any other return channel network with set top box  405  to communicate a “BUY VIDEO 1” video response, as designated by reference number  428 .  
     [0159] The mobile communications server provides a “BUY VIDEO 1” request acknowledgement, which is displayed on the telephone  418 , as designated by reference number  426 .  
     [0160] Reference is now made to FIG. 14C, which is a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality communication system of FIGS. 4D and 4E. Turning to FIG. 14C, which corresponds to FIG. 4E, it is seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “VIEW VIDEO 1” button  406 , a “VIEW VIDEO 1” select information module is transmitted from the card  402  to the television&#39;s card enabled set top box remote controller  432 , causing the remote control  432  to pull from card  402  a “VIEW VIDEO 1 information module.  
     [0161] The card enabled set top box remote controller  432 , preferably communicating, via an infrared or RF channel, with an interactive television device such as a set top box  405 , which transmits a “VIEW VIDEO” video request to a set top box  405 . The set top box  405  displays the requested video clip on the television screen, as designated by reference number  434 .  
     [0162] Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A and 15B, which are, taken together, a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  5 A- 5 C. Turning to FIG. 15A, which corresponds to FIG. 5B, it is seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “ADD $10” request button  506 , an “ADD $10” request containing a secret PIN (Personal Identification Number) select information module is transmitted from the card  502  to the facilitator  504 , causing the facilitator  504  to pull from card  502 , an “ADD $ 10” information module containing the appropriate PIN.  
     [0163] The facilitator  504 , preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone  500 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  504  transmits an “ADD $10” request containing the corresponding secret “ADD $10” PIN number to the telephone  500  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  500 , in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, an “ADD $10” request and a corresponding “ADD $10” secret PIN number to server  508 . The server provides credits the requested “ADD $10” crediting confirmation, which is displayed on the telephone  500 , as designated by reference number  510 .  
     [0164] In FIG. 15B, which corresponds to FIG. 5C, it is seen that in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “CALL THE FAN CLUB” request button  512 , a “CALL THE FAN CLUB” select information module is transmitted from the card  502  to the facilitator  504 , causing the facilitator  504  to pull from card  502  a “CALL THE FAN CLUB” information module.  
     [0165] The facilitator  504 , preferably communicating via wired connection with telephone  500 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  504  transmits a “CALL THE FAN CLUB” request to the telephone  500  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  500 , in turn, via a mobile network  514 , to dial a voice call to the fan club destination.  
     [0166] Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A and 16B which are together a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  6 A- 6 B. Turning to FIG. 16A, which corresponds to FIG. 6B, it is seen that the lottery ticket card  602  is issued a secret lottery number at the point-of-sale terminal  603 . In response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “LOTTERY TICKET” button  606 , a lottery ticket draw entry request select information module, containing a secret lottery number is transmitted from the card  602  to the facilitator  604 , causing the facilitator  604  to pull from card  602 , a lottery ticket draw entry request information module containing a secret lottery number.  
     [0167] The facilitator  604 , preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone  608 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  604  transmits a lottery ticket draw entry request containing a secret lottery number to the telephone  608  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  608 , in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, a lottery ticket draw entry request containing a secret lottery number to server  610 . The server provides the requested lottery results, which are displayed on the telephone  608 , as designated by reference number  612 .The server  610  transmits a new secret lottery number to the point-of-sale terminal  603 , via the intranet.  
     [0168]FIG. 16B is an alternative simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  6 A- 6 B. In FIG. 16B it is seen that a lottery ticket, already containing a secret lottery number is confirmed and activated at a point-of-sale terminal  603 . In response to a user, pressing on the “LOTTERY TICKET” button  606 , a lottery ticket, which already contains a secret lottery number entry request select information module, containing a secret lottery number is transmitted from the card  602  to the facilitator  604 , causing the facilitator  604  to pull from card  602 , a lottery ticket draw entry request information module containing a secret lottery number.  
     [0169] The facilitator  604 , preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone  608 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  604  transmits a lottery ticket draw entry request containing a secret lottery number to the telephone  608  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  608 , in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, a lottery ticket entry request containing a secret lottery number to server  610 . The server provides the requested lottery results, which are displayed on the telephone  608  screen, as designated by reference number  612 .The point-of-sale  603  activates a new secret lottery number at the server  610 .  
     [0170] Reference is now made to FIGS. 17A and 17B, which are together a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  7 A- 7 C. As seen in FIG. 17A, which corresponds to FIG. 7B, in response to a user pressing a “UPGRADE PHONE” button  706 , a selected phone upgrade software information module is transmitted from the card  702  to the facilitator  704 , causing the facilitator  704  to pull from card  702 , a phone upgrade information module containing the selected phone upgrade software.  
     [0171] The facilitator  704 , preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone  700 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  704  transmits phone upgrade software information containing the selected phone upgrade in a format suitable for use by telephone  700 . This phone upgrade information may be identical to that received from card  702  or may have undergone processing in the facilitator  704  in order to adapt it to telephone  700 .  
     [0172] Turning to FIG. 17B, which corresponds to FIG. 7C, in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “UPGRADE FACILITATOR” button  710 , a selected facilitator upgrade software information module is transmitted from the card  702  to the facilitator  704 , causing the facilitator  704  to pull from card  702 , a facilitator upgrade information module containing the selected facilitator upgrade software.  
     [0173] The facilitator  704 , preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone  700 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the card  702  transmits facilitator upgrade software information containing the selected facilitator upgrade in a format suitable for use by the facilitator  704 . Upon completion of the facilitator software upgrade, the facilitator  704  transmits a confirmation of completion of facilitator software upgrade to the telephone  700 . A facilitator software upgrade confirmation is displayed on the telephone screen, as designated in reference number  712 .  
     [0174] Reference is now made to FIG. 18, which is a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 8A &amp; 8B and corresponds to FIG. 8B. In response to a user pressing on the “UPGRADE FACILITATOR” button  808 , a selected facilitator software upgrade information module is transmitted from the card  802  to the facilitator  804 , causing the facilitator  804  to pull from card  802 , a facilitator software upgrade request information module containing the selected facilitator upgrade software.  
     [0175] The facilitator  804 , preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone  806 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  804  transmits facilitator software upgrade information containing the selected facilitator software upgrade request in a format suitable for use by telephone  806 , causing the telephone  806 , in turn, to communicate via a mobile network a facilitator software upgrade request to server  810 . The server  810  provides the requested facilitator software upgrade via a mobile network to the telephone  806 .The telephone, in turn, transmits to the facilitator  804 , the facilitator software upgrade software information in a format suitable for use by the facilitator  804 . Upon completion of the facilitator software upgrade, the facilitator  804  transmits a confirmation of completion of facilitator software upgrade to the telephone  806 . A facilitator software upgrade confirmation is displayed on the telephone screen, as designated in reference number  812 .  
     [0176] Reference is now made to FIG. 19A, which is a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 9A and 9B and corresponds to FIG. 9B. It is seen that in response to a user inserting a trivia game card  902  into a facilitator  904  a selected information module is transmitted from the card  902  to the facilitator  904 , causing the facilitator  904  to pull from card  902 , a “TRIVIA GAME” request information module and notification that the card  902  was inserted into the interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator  904 .  
     [0177] The facilitator  904 , preferably communicating via wired connection with telephone,  905 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  904  transmits a “TRIVIA GAME” request to the telephone  905  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  905 , in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, a “TRIVIA GAME ” request to server  908 . The server downloads the requested “TRIVIA GAME”, an initial screen of which is displayed on the telephone  905 , as designated by reference number  910 . In response to a user&#39;s input via the telephone  905 , the trivia game may be played interactively as indicated by reference number  912 .  
     [0178] Reference is now made to FIGS. 19B which is a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 9A, 9C and  9 D and which corresponds to FIGS. 9C and 9D. It is seen that in response to a user pressing a button on facilitator  904 , a selected information module is transmitted from the card  902  to the facilitator  904 , causing the facilitator  904  to pull from card  902 , a “TRIVIA GAME” request information module.  
     [0179] The facilitator  904 , preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone  905 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  904  transmits a “TRIVIA GAME” request to the telephone  905  in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone  905 , in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, a “TRIVIA GAME” request to server  908 . The server downloads the requested “TRIVIA GAME”.  
     [0180] Reference is now made to FIGS. 20A and 20B, which are a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustrations of operation of the selectable functionality communication system of FIGS.  10 A- 10 C. As seen in FIG. 20A, which corresponds to FIG. 10B, in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “PROGRAM CARD” button  1006 , a PROGRAM CARD request information module is transmitted from the card  1002  to the facilitator  1004 , causing the facilitator  1004  to pull from card  1002 , a “PROGRAM CARD” request information module specifying one or more selected information modules.  
     [0181] The facilitator  1004 , preferably communicating via a physical connection with the computer  1010 , requests programming of the card  1002  with one or more new information modules. Upon receipt of this request, the computer  1001  transmits software information containing the selected information modules, in a format suitable for use by the card  1002 . Upon completion of the programming of new information modules the computer  1001  displays a confirmation of completion of the card programming on the screen of computer  1001 , as designated by reference numeral  1008 .  
     [0182] Turning to FIG. 20B, which corresponds to FIG. 10C, in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the PROGRAM CARD button  1006 , a PROGRAM CARD request information module is transmitted from the card  1002  to the facilitator  1004 , causing the facilitator  1004  to pull from card  1002 , a “PROGRAM CARD” request information module specifying one or more selected information modules.  
     [0183] The facilitator  1004 , preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone  1010 , requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator  1004  transmits the PROGRAM CARD request information module in a format suitable for use by telephone  1010 , causing the telephone  1010 , in turn, to communicate via a mobile network a card programming request to the server  1012 . The server  1012  provides the requested new information modules, which may be downloaded to or via server  1012  from the Internet site that has simulated programmable cards. The server  1012  transmits the new information modules via a mobile network to the telephone  1010 . The telephone, in turn, transmits the requested new information modules in a format suitable for use by card  1002 . Upon completion of the card programming, the card  1002  transmits a confirmation of completion of card programming to the telephone  1010 . A card programming confirmation is displayed on the telephone screen, as designated in reference number  1014 .  
     [0184] Reference is now made to FIG. 20C, which is a simplified generalized information flow diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 10D and 10E. As seen in FIG. 20C, which corresponds to FIG. 10E, in response to a user&#39;s pressing on the “PICTURE” button  1060 , a image select information module is transmitted from the card  1002  to the telephone  1058 , causing the telephone to pull from card  1002 , an image information module containing the selected image.  
     [0185] The card  1002  transmits visual information containing the selected image in a format suitable for use by telephone  1058  including display and further transmission.  
     [0186] Reference is now made to FIG. 21A, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 1A, 1B and  11 A. As seen in FIG. 21A, which corresponds to FIG. 1B, card  102  preferably comprises function select buttons  2100  which communicate with a connector port  2102  and a plurality of information modules  2104 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2106 .  
     [0187] Facilitator  104  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2112  and an information module facilitator connector port  2116 . Port  2112  communicates with connector port  2102  on card  102  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2124 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  104  is for management circuitry  2124  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2100  and the connector port  2102  in the card  102  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2102  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2102 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0188] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122  informs management circuitry  2124  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2124 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2126  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2104  in card  102 , via ports  2106  and  2116 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2126 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  102 .  
     [0189] Management circuitry  2124  communicates with telephone  100  via an IR port  2128  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2124  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2130 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2130  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2124 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2132 , enabling circuitry  2132  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  100 .  
     [0190] The output of circuitry  2132  is supplied to management circuitry  2124  which uploads it to telephone  100  via IR port  2128 .  
     [0191] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A, 1B and  11 A, actuation of the button  106  causes a selected ringtone to be uploaded to the telephone  100 .  
     [0192] Reference is now made to FIG. 21B, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 1A, 1C,  1 D,  11 B and  11 C. As seen in FIG. 21B, which corresponds to FIGS. 1C &amp; 1D, card  102  preferably comprises function select buttons  2100  which communicate with a connector port  2102  and a plurality of information modules  2104 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2106 .  
     [0193] Facilitator  104  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2112  and an information module facilitator connector port  2116 . Port  2112  communicates with connector port  2102  on card  102  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2124 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  104  is for management circuitry  2124  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2100  and the connector port  2102  in the card  102  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2102  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2102 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.  
     [0194] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122  informs management circuitry  2124  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2124 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2126  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2104  in card  102 , via ports  2106  and  2116 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2126 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  102 .  
     [0195] Management circuitry  2124  communicates with telephone  100  via an IR port  2128  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2124  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2130 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2130  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2124 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2132 , enabling circuitry  2132  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  100  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  100  to a remote server  112 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  112  to download content to telephone  100 . The output of circuitry  2132  is supplied to management circuitry  2124 , which uploads it to telephone  100  via IR port  2128 .  
     [0196] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A, 1C and  11 B, actuation of the button  114  causes a selected video clip to be downloaded to the telephone  100  from remote server  112 .  
     [0197] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A &amp; 1D and  11 C, actuation of the button  120  causes selected sports information clip to be downloaded to the telephone  100  from remote server  112 .  
     [0198] It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that only a relatively small amount of information need be stored in an information module on the card  102  in order to produce download of a potentially large amount of information from a remote server. It is appreciated that the content to be downloaded to the telephone from the remote server may thus be dynamic and need not even exist at the time that the card is distributed to users.  
     [0199] Reference is now made to FIG. 22, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 2A &amp; 2B and  12 . As seen in FIG. 22, which corresponds to FIG. 2B, card  202  preferably comprises function select buttons  2200  which communicate with a connector port  2202  and a plurality of information modules  2204 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2206 .  
     [0200] Facilitator  204  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2212  and an information module facilitator connector port  2216 . Port  2212  communicates with connector port  2202  on card  202  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2222 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2224 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  204  is for management circuitry  2224  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2222  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2200  and the connector port  2202  in the card  202  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2202  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2202 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2222  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0201] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2222  informs management circuitry  2224  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2224 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2226  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2204  in card  202 , via ports  2206  and  2216 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2226 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  202 .  
     [0202] Management circuitry  2224  communicates with PDA  200  via an RF port, or a BlueTooth port  2228  and requests and receives information relating to specific PDA parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2224  communicates the received specific PDA parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2230 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given PDA. Circuitry  2230  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2224 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2232 , enabling circuitry  2232  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific PDA  200 .  
     [0203] The output of circuitry  2232  is supplied to management circuitry  2224  which uploads it to PDA  200  via RF port  2128 .  
     [0204] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A &amp; 2B and  12 , actuation of the button  206  causes a selected game to be uploaded to the telephone  200 .  
     [0205] Reference is now made to FIG. 23, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 3A, 3B,  3 C,  13 A &amp;  13 B. As seen in FIG. 23, which corresponds to FIGS. 3B &amp; 3C, card  302  preferably comprises function select buttons  2300  which communicate with a connector port  2302  and a plurality of information modules  2304 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2306 .  
     [0206] Facilitator  304  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2312  and an information module facilitator connector port  2316 . Port  2312  communicates with connector port  2302  on card  302  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2322 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2324 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  304  is for management circuitry  2324  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2322  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2300  and the connector port  2302  in the card  302  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2302  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2302 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2322  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0207] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2322  informs management circuitry  2324  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2324 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2326  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2304  in card  302 , via ports  2306  and  2316 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2326 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  302 .  
     [0208] Management circuitry  2324  communicates with telephone  300  via a wired connection  2328  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2124  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2330 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2330  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2324 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2332 , enabling circuitry  2332  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  300  in the the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  300  to a remote server  308  The request is intended to cause the remote server  308  to download content to telephone  300 . The output of circuitry  2332  is supplied to management circuitry  2324  which uploads it to telephone  300  via wired connection  2328 .  
     [0209] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B and  13 A, actuation of the button  306  causes a selected image to be downloaded to the telephone  300  from remote server  308 .  
     [0210] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3C and  13 B, actuation of the button  312  causes information to be downloaded to the telephone  300  from remote server  308 .  
     [0211] Reference is now made to FIG. 24A, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 4A, 4B, &amp;  14 A. As seen in FIG. 24A, which corresponds to FIG. 4B, card  402  preferably comprises function select buttons  2400  which communicate with a connector port  2402  and a plurality of information modules  2404 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2406 .  
     [0212] Facilitator  404  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2412  and an information module facilitator connector port  2416 . Port  2412  communicates with connector port  2402  on card  402  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2422 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2424 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  404  is for management circuitry  2424  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2422  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2400  and the connector port  2402  in the card  402  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2402  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2402 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2422  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.  
     [0213] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2422  informs management circuitry  2424  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2424 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2426  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2404  in card  402 , via ports  2406  and  2416 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2426 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  402 .  
     [0214] Management circuitry  2424  communicates with set top box  405  via an IR port  2428  and requests and receives information relating to specific set top box parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the set top box. Management circuitry  2424  communicates the received specific set top box parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2430 , which employs the received specific set top box parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2430  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2424 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2432 , enabling circuitry  2432  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific set top box  405  in the form of a request to be communicated via the set top box  405  to a remote server  412 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  412  to download content to set top box  405 . The output of circuitry  2432  is supplied to management circuitry  2424 , which uploads it to set top box  405  via IR or RF port  2428 .  
     [0215] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B and  14 A, actuation of the button  406  causes a selected video clip to be displayed on the television screen, via the set top box  405  from remote server  412 .  
     [0216] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B and  14 A, actuation of the button  410  causes a selected video clip purchase order to be placed, via the set top box  405  from remote server  412 .  
     [0217] Reference is now made to FIG. 24B, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 4A, 4C &amp;  14 B. As seen in FIG. 24B, which corresponds to FIG. 4C, card  402  preferably comprises function select buttons  2440  which communicate with a connector port  2442  and a plurality of information modules  2444 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2446 .  
     [0218] Facilitator  404  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2452  and an information module facilitator connector port  2456 . Port  2452  communicates with connector port  2442  on card  402  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2462 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2464 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  404  is for management circuitry  2464  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2462  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2440  and the connector port  2442  in the card  402  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2442  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2442 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2462  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0219] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2472  informs management circuitry  2464  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2464 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2466  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2444  in card  402 , via ports  2446  and  2456 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2466 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  402 .  
     [0220] Management circuitry  2464  communicates with telephone  418  via an IR port  2468  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the set top box. Management circuitry  2464  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2470 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2470  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2464 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2472 , enabling circuitry  2472  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  418  in the form of a request to be communicated via telephone to a remote server  422 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  422  to download content to the telephone  418 . The output of circuitry  2472  is supplied to management circuitry  2464  which uploads it to the telephone  418  via IR or RF port  2468 .  
     [0221] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A &amp; 4C and  14 B, actuation of the button  420  causes a selected video CD purchase order to be placed and a confirmation of the purchase order to be displayed on the television screen, via the set top box  405  which communicates with a TV server  424  that receives the information from a telephone  418 , via a mobile server  422 .  
     [0222] Reference is now made to FIG. 24C, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 4D, 4E &amp;  14 C. As seen in FIG. 24C, which corresponds to FIGS. 4D and 4E, card  402  preferably comprises function select buttons  2480  which communicate with a connector port  2482  and a plurality of information modules  2484 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2486 .  
     [0223] Remote control  432  correspondingly includes a function select button connector port  2488  and an information module facilitator connector port  2490 . Port  2488  communicates with connector port  2482  on card  402  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2492 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2494 . A preferred functionality of the remote control  432  is for management circuitry  2494  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2492  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2400  and the connector port  2402  in the card  402  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2482  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2482 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2492  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.  
     [0224] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2492  informs card management circuitry  2494  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2494 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2495  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2484  in card  402 , via ports  2486  and  2490 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2495 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  402 .  
     [0225] Management circuitry  2494  of the card interface manager communicates the information containing the information modules with set top box interface manager via set top box command encoder  2496  on the set top box interface manager. Conventional remote control circuitry  2497  typically also forms part of the set top box interface manager. In the present embodiment the set top box command encoder  2496  does not communicate with the conventional remote control circuitry  2497 . The information modules received by the set top box interface management circuitry  2496  are transmitted to set top box  405  via IR transmitter  2498  and cause the set top box to display the music video clip on the display screen  434 . The output of management circuitry  2496  is transmitted to set top box  405  via IR transmitter  2498 .  
     [0226] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4E &amp; 4D and  14 B, actuation of the button  416  causes a selected video clip to be displayed on the television screen  434 , via the set top box  405 .  
     [0227] Reference is now made to FIG. 25A, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS.  5 A,  5 B&amp;  15 A. As seen in FIG. 25A, which corresponds to FIGS.  5 B, card  502  preferably comprises function select buttons  2500  which communicate with a connector port  2502 , a plurality of information modules  2504 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2506  and a secret PIN module  2507  which communicates with the connector port  2506 .  
     [0228] Facilitator  504  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2512  and an information module facilitator connector port  2516 . Port  2512  communicates with connector port  2502  on card  502  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2522 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2524 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  504  is for management circuitry  2524  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2522  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2500  and the connector port  2502  in the card  502  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2502  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2502 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2522  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0229] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2522  informs management circuitry  2524  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2524 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2526  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2504  in card  502 , via ports  2506  and  2516 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2526 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  502 .  
     [0230] Management circuitry  2524  communicates with telephone  500  via a wired connection  2528  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2524  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2530 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2530  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2524 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2532 , enabling circuitry  2532  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  500  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  500  to a remote server  508 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  508  to download content to telephone  500 . The output of circuitry  2532  is supplied to management circuitry  2524  which uploads it to telephone  500  via wired connection  2528 .  
     [0231] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B and  15 A, actuation of the button  506  causes a balance increase in a prepaid account and a confirmation to be displayed on the telephone screen.  
     [0232] Reference is now made to FIG. 25B, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 5A, 5C &amp;  15 B. As seen in FIG. 25B, which corresponds to FIGS.  5 C, card  502  preferably comprises function select buttons  2550  which communicate with a connector port  2552  and a plurality of information modules  2554 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2556 .  
     [0233] Facilitator  504  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2562  and an information module facilitator connector port  2566 . Port  2562  communicates with connector port  2552  on card  502  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2572 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2574 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  504  is for management circuitry  2574  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2572  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2550  and the connector port  2552  in the card  502  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2552  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2552 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2572  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.  
     [0234] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2572  informs management circuitry  2574  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2574 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2576  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2554  in card  502 , via ports  2556  and  2566 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2576 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  502 .  
     [0235] Management circuitry  2574  communicates with telephone  500  via a wired connection  2578  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2574  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2580 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2580  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2574 , which provides appropriate instructions to telephone voice call initiation adaptation circuitry  2582 , enabling circuitry  2582  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  500  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  500  to a remote server  514 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  514  to download content to telephone  500 . The output of circuitry  2582  is supplied to management circuitry  2574  which uploads it to telephone  500  via wired connection  2578 .  
     [0236] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B and  15 A, actuation of the button  512  causes a telephone voice call to be placed from telephone  500  via remote server  514 .  
     [0237] Reference is now made to FIG. 26, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 6A, 6B,  16 A &amp;  16 B. As seen in FIG. 26, which corresponds to FIGS. 16A &amp; 16B, card  602  preferably comprises function select buttons  2600  which communicate with a connector port  2602 , a plurality of information modules  2604  and a secret number module  2607 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2606 .  
     [0238] Point-of-sale terminal  603  correspondingly comprises information module card connector port  2608  secret number management software  2608  which communicate with information module interface software  2609  which communicate, in turn, with a information module card connector port  2610 . Information module card connector port  2610  communicates with connector port  2606  on card  602 .  
     [0239] Facilitator  604  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2612  and an information module facilitator connector port  2616 . Port  2612  communicates with connector port  2602  on card  602  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2622 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2624 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  604  is for management circuitry  2624  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2122  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2100  and the connector port  2602  in the card  602  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2602  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2602 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2622  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.  
     [0240] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2622  informs management circuitry  2624  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2624 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2626  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2604  in card  602 , via ports  2606  and  2616 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2626 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  602 .  
     [0241] Management circuitry  2624  communicates with telephone  608  via wired port  2628  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2624  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2630 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2630  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2624 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2632 , enabling circuitry  2632  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  608  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  608  to a remote server  610 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  610  to issue the request and display request results on the telephone screen  612 . The output of circuitry  2632  is supplied to management circuitry  2624  which uploads it to telephone  608  via wired port  2628 .  
     [0242] In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B and  16 A, actuation of the button  606  enables entrance to a lottery game, causes the lottery results to be displayed on the telephone screen  612  and causes the remote server  610  to send a new secret number to the point-of-sale terminal  603 .  
     [0243] In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B and  16 B, actuation of the button  606  enables entrance to a lottery game, causes the lottery results to be displayed on the telephone screen  612  and causes the point-of-sale  603  to activate a new secret lottery number at the remote server  610 .  
     [0244] Reference is now made to FIG. 27 which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 7A, 7B,  7 C and  17 A&amp; 17 B. As seen in FIG. 27, which corresponds to FIG. 7B &amp; 7C, card  702  preferably comprises function select buttons  2700  which communicate with a connector port  2702  and a plurality of information modules  2704 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2706 .  
     [0245] Facilitator  704  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2712  and an information module facilitator connector port  2716 . Port  2712  communicates with connector port  2702  on card  702  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2722 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2724 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  704  is for management circuitry  2724  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2722  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2700  and the connector port  2702  in the card  702  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2702  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2702 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2722  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0246] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2722  informs management circuitry  2724  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2724 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2726  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2704  in card  702 , via ports  2706  and  2716 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2726 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  702 .  
     [0247] Management circuitry  2724  communicates with telephone  700  via an IR port  2728  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2724  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2730 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2730  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2724 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2732 , enabling circuitry  2732  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  700 .  
     [0248] The output of circuitry  2732  is supplied to management circuitry  2724  which uploads it to telephone  700  via IR port  2728 .  
     [0249] In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B and  17 A, actuation of the button  706  causes a selected phone software upgrade to be uploaded to the telephone  700 .  
     [0250] In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A &amp; 7C and  17 B, actuation of the button  710  causes a selected facilitator software upgrade to be uploaded to the facilitator  704 .  
     [0251] Reference is now made to FIG. 28A, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 8A, 8B and  18 . As seen in FIG. 28B, which corresponds to FIG. 8B, card  802  preferably comprises function select buttons  2800  which communicate with a connector port  2802  and a plurality of information modules  2804 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2806 .  
     [0252] Facilitator  804  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  2812  and an information module facilitator connector port  2816 . Port  2812  communicates with connector port  2802  on card  802  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  2822 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  2824 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  804  is for management circuitry  2824  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  2822  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  2800  and the connector port  2802  in the card  802  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  2802  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  2802 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  2822  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.  
     [0253] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2822  informs management circuitry  2824  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2824 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2826  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2804  in card  802 , via ports  2806  and  2816 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2826 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  802 .  
     [0254] Management circuitry  2824  communicates with telephone  806  via an IR port  2828  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2824  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2830 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2830  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2824 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2832 , enabling circuitry  2832  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  806  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  806  to a remote server  810 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  810  to download content to telephone  806 . The output of circuitry  2832  is supplied to management circuitry  2824  which uploads it to telephone  806  via IR port  2828 .  
     [0255] In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A &amp; 8B and  18 , actuation of the button  802  causes facilitator software upgrade to be downloaded from remote server  810 .  
     [0256] Reference is now made to FIG. 29A, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 9A, 9B and  19 A. As seen in FIG. 29A, which corresponds to FIG. 9B, card  902  preferably comprises a plurality of information modules  2904 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2906 .  
     [0257] Facilitator  904  correspondingly includes an information module facilitator connector port  2916 . Card insertion and removal interpretation circuitry  2922  communicates with management circuitry  2924 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  904  is for management circuitry  2924  to intermittently trigger card insertion and removal interpretation circuitry  2922  to intermittently inquire as to whether any card has been inserted or removed. Card insertion and removal interpretation circuitry  2922  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0258] When a the card is inserted, card insertion and removal interpretation circuitry  2922  informs management circuitry  2924  of the identity of the inserted card. Management circuitry  2924 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2926  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2904  in card  902 , via ports  2906  and  2916 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2926 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  902 .  
     [0259] Management circuitry  2924  communicates with telephone  904  via a wired port  2928  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2924  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2930 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2930  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2924 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2932 , enabling circuitry  2932  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  904  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  905  to a remote server  908 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  908  to download content to telephone  908 . The output of circuitry  2932  is supplied to management circuitry  2924  which uploads it to telephone  904  via IR port  2928 .  
     [0260] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A &amp; 9B and  19 A, insertion of card  902  causes a game to be downloaded from remote server  908 .  
     [0261] Reference is now made to FIG. 29B, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 9A, 9C,  9 D and  19 B. As seen in FIG. 29B, which corresponds to FIGS. 9C and 9D, card  902  preferably comprises a plurality of information modules  2954 , which separately communicate with a connector port  2956 .  
     [0262] Facilitator  904  correspondingly includes an information module facilitator connector port  2966 . Function select buttons  2972  interpretation circuitry  2972  communicates with management circuitry  2974 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  904  is for management circuitry  2974  to intermittently trigger function select buttons  2972  to intermittently inquire as to whether any card has been inserted or removed. Function select buttons  2972  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.  
     [0263] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  2972  informs management circuitry  2974  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  2974 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  2976  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  2954  in card  902 , via ports  2956  and  2966 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  2976 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  902 .  
     [0264] Management circuitry  2974  communicates with telephone  904  via a wired port  2978  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  2974  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  2980 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  2980  preferably outputs to management circuitry  2974 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  2982 , enabling circuitry  2982  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  904  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  905  to a remote server  908 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  908  to download content to telephone  908 . The output of circuitry  2982  is supplied to management circuitry  2974  which uploads it to telephone  904  via IR port  2978 . In the present embodiment which comprises a ringer and or a LED, once the telephone is uploaded management circuitry  2974  triggers the ringer circuitry  2990  and or the LED circuitry  2992 .  
     [0265] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A, 9C &amp;  9 D and  19 B, actuation of the button  930  causes a game to be downloaded from remote server  908 .  
     [0266] Reference is now made to FIG. 30A, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 10A, 10B and  20 A. As seen in FIG. 30A, which corresponds to FIG. 10B, card  1002  preferably comprises function select buttons  3000  which communicate with a connector port  3002  and a plurality of information modules  3004 , which separately communicate with a connector port  3006 .  
     [0267] Facilitator  1004  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  3012  and an information module facilitator connector port  3016 . Port  3012  communicates with connector port  3002  on card  1002  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  3022 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  3024 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  1004  is for management circuitry  3024  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  3022  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  3000  and the connector port  3002  in the card  102  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  3002  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  3002 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  3022  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0268] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  3022  informs management circuitry  3024  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  3024 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  3026  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  3004  in card  1002 , via ports  3006  and  3016 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  3026 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  1002 .  
     [0269] Management circuitry  3024 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  3032 , enabling circuitry  3032  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific PC  1001 .  
     [0270] The output of circuitry  3032  is supplied to management circuitry  3024  which uploads it to PC  1001  via PC port  3028 .  
     [0271] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10A &amp; 10B and  20 A, actuation of the button  1006  causes an information module to be downloaded onto the card  1002 .  
     [0272] Reference is now made to FIG. 30B, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 10A, 10C &amp;  20 B. As seen in FIG. 30B, which corresponds to FIGS.  10 C, card  1002  preferably comprises function select buttons  3040  which communicate with a connector port  3042  and a plurality of information modules  3044 , which separately communicate with a connector port  3046 .  
     [0273] Facilitator  1004  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  3052  and an information module facilitator connector port  3056 . Port  3052  communicates with connector port  3046  on card  1002  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  3062 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  3064 . A preferred functionality of facilitator  1004  is for management circuitry  3064  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  3062  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  3040  and the connector port  3042  in the card  1002  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  3042  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  3042 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  3052  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0274] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  3052  informs management circuitry  3064  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  3064 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  3066  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  3004  in card  1002 , via ports  3046  and  3056 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  3056 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  1002 .  
     [0275] Management circuitry  3064  communicates with telephone  1010  via an phone port  3068  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  3064  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  3070 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  3070  preferably outputs to management circuitry  3064 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  3072 , enabling circuitry  3072  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  1010  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  1010  to a remote server  1012 . The request is intended to cause the remote server  1012  to download content to telephone  1010 . The output of circuitry  3072  is supplied to management circuitry  3064  which uploads it to telephone  1010  via phone port  3068 .  
     [0276] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10A &amp; 10C and  20 B, actuation of the button  1006  causes an information module to be downloaded to the telephone  1010  from remote server  1012 .  
     [0277] Reference is now made to FIG. 30C, which is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of FIGS. 10A, 10D,  10 E &amp;  20 C. As seen in FIG. 30C, which corresponds to FIGS.  10 E, card  1002  preferably comprises function select buttons  3074  which communicate with a connector port  3076  and a plurality of information modules  3078 , which separately communicate with a connector port  3080 .  
     [0278] Facilitator incorporated into the back cover  1054  correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port  3082  and an information module facilitator connector port  3084 . Port  3082  communicates with connector port  3086  on card  1002  and with button actuation interpretation circuitry  3086 , which in turn communicates with management circuitry  3088 . A preferred functionality of facilitator in back cover  1054  is for management circuitry  3088  to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry  3086  to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons  3074  and the connector port  3076  in the card  1002  are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port  3076  and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port  3076 , thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry  3082  also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation  
     [0279] When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry  3086  informs management circuitry  3088  of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry  3088 , in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry  3090  to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules  3076  in card  1002 , via ports  3076  and  3084 . The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry  3084 , which typically also verifies authenticity of the card  1002 .  
     [0280] Management circuitry  3088  communicates with telephone  1010  via an Internal data port  3091  that receives the facilitator information modules from the IR port  3092  and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry  3088  communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry  3094 , which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry  3094  preferably outputs to management circuitry  3088 , which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry  3096 , enabling circuitry  3096  to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone  1050  in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone  1050  to download content to telephone  1050 .  
     [0281] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10D &amp; 10E and  20 C, actuation of the button  1006  causes an information module to be downloaded to the telephone  1050 .  
     [0282] Reference is now made to FIGS. 31 &amp; 32, which are illustrations of a user interface card constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 31 and 32, the user interface card is generally characterized in that it includes a number of user-actuable contact locations, preferably in the form of buttons  3200  and a plurality of ports, preferably in the form of a pair of contact assemblies  3202  and  3204 .  
     [0283] Turning particularly to FIG. 32, it is seen that a bottom surface is preferably defined by a substrate  3210 , preferably formed of transparent polycarbonate. Substrate  3210  is preferably printed on an inside surface thereof to present advertising or other user information on the outside surface thereof. Disposed above substrate  3210  there is preferably provided a stiffener layer  3212 , preferably formed of PVC, and thereabove a flexible PCB  3214 . Both stiffener layer  3212  and PCB  3214  are formed with apertures, respectively designated  3216  and  3218 , in order to accommodate a micromodule  3220  which includes contact assembly  3204 . Micromodule  3220  preferably is a conventional micromodule such as that commercially available from Atmel Inc. of 2325 Orchard Parkway San Jose, Calif. 95131 under model number AT 24C04SC.  
     [0284] PCB  3214  preferably defines the user-actuable contact locations by defining a plurality of perimeter contacts  3221  and a plurality of inner contacts  3222 . Each cooperating pair of one perimeter contact  3221  and an inner contact  3222  disposed therewithin defines electrical connections to a single button  3200 . A circuit comprising multiple PCB conductors  3224  interconnects the peripheral and inner contacts  3221  and  3222  of each button in a matrix arrangement to preferably seven electrical contact pads  3226 .  
     [0285] Disposed over PCB  3214  there is preferably provided a spacer  3228 , typically formed of polyester and having an aperture  3230  corresponding in position to apertures  3216  and  3218  and configured to accommodate micromodule  3220 . Spacer  3228  also preferably includes an aperture  3232 , which is configured to accommodate contact assembly  3202 , which is in electrical contact with pads  3226 . Spacer  3228  also comprises a plurality of apertures  3234  which overlie perimeter contacts  3221  and inner contacts  3222 . Apertures  3234  are each configured to accommodate a conductive button contact  3236 , which is operative, while depressed by a finger of a user, to establish electric contact between a perimeter contact  3221  and its corresponding inner contact  3222 . Conductive button contacts  3236  are preferably formed as resilient metal domes, which return to their original, non-contact, orientation in the absence of user engagement therewith. Conductive button contacts  3236  provide desired tactile feedback to a user of pressing each given button  3200 .  
     [0286] Disposed above spacer  3228  and conductive button contacts  3236  is a top substrate  3250 , which is preferably formed of transparent polycarbonate. Top substrate  3250  is preferably printed on an inside surface thereof to present advertising or other user information on the outside surface thereof.  
     [0287] Top substrate  3250  is formed with an aperture  3252  which corresponds in position with apertures  3230 ,  3218  and  3216  and is somewhat smaller in size than those apertures, such that top substrate  3250  retains micro-module  3220  within the card, while permitting electrical contact with the contact assembly  3204 . Top substrate  3250  also includes an aperture  3254 , which corresponds in position with aperture  3232  and is somewhat smaller in size than that aperture, such that top substrate  3250  retains contact assembly  3202  within the card, while permitting electrical contact therewith.  
     [0288] Regions of top substrate  3250  which overlie conductive button contacts  3236  are designated as user-actuable contact locations by suitable graphics printing thereon.  
     [0289] The various layers of the card described above are preferably secured together by means of a suitable adhesive, such as double-stick tapes commercially available from 3M.  
     [0290] Reference is now made to FIG. 33, which is a diagram illustrating the organization of information in the card of FIGS. 31 &amp; 32. As noted above, information contained in the, card of FIGS. 31 &amp; 32 is preferably organized into information modules, which may be read from the card into or through a facilitator and thence to a wireless communicator. FIG. 33 illustrates three types of information modules, it being appreciated that any other suitable number of different types of information modules may be provided.  
     [0291] Initially, upon operative engagement of the card with a facilitator, either automatically or via a button press, a card identity information module  3300  is read from the card. This module preferably contains a non card-specific card validity signature, a card type-specific ID and a protected card-specific identifier. Typically thereafter, a card definition information module  3302  is read. This module preferably contains information regarding card functionalities and possible interfaces, such as lists of types of mobile communicators and mobile networks with which it operates.  
     [0292] The card preferably also includes a plurality of button specific or button combination specific information modules, each of which preferably contains a distinct and complete functionality, such as, for example, a specific ring tone, a video clip and a greeting. The button or button combination specific information modules may contain all data required to enable a mobile communicator to carry out the desired functionality or may contain instructions enabling the facilitator and/or the mobile communicator to download from a remote source some or all of the data required for the indicated functionality.  
     [0293] Reference is now made to FIGS. 34 and 35, which are simplified illustrations of a user-interface card intermediary constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in association with a card of the type described hereinabove. As seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, the intermediary, here shown in the form of a card-receiving facilitator  3400  includes a housing which comprises top and bottom portions  3402  and  3404 , typically molded of plastic and ultrasonically welded together. The bottom portion  3402  is formed with a battery receiving recess  3406  in which a conventional disk-type battery  3408  may be retained behind a removable cover  3410 .  
     [0294] A pair of spaced PCBs  3412  and  3414  are disposed within the housing and define therebetween a slot  3416  into which a card  3418  may be inserted. When the card  3418  is properly inserted into slot  3416 , contact assemblies  3202  and  3204  (FIGS. 31 and 32) of card  3418  are in mechanical and electrical connection with corresponding facilitator contact arrays  3422  and  3424  on PCB  3412 . The card  3418 , which is typically somewhat wider than PCBs  3412  and  3414  is preferably urged against PCB  3412  by side springs  3426  preferably integrally formed with bottom housing portion  3404 . An IR window  3428  is provided between portions of top and bottom housing portions  3402  and  3404  to permit IR communication with an external mobile communicator, by means of an IR transceiver  3430 , typically mounted on PCB  3414 .  
     [0295] A self-explanatory electrical schematic illustration of the circuitry found on PCBs  3412  and  3414  appears in FIGS.  36 A- 36 F.  
     [0296] Reference is now made to FIGS. 36A, 36B,  36 C,  36 D,  36 E and  36 F, which are drawings of the electrical circuitry in the card of FIGS. 31 &amp; 32 and the intermediary of FIGS. 34 &amp; 35 and to FIG. 37 is a simplified flow chart illustrating the functionality of software incorporated in the circuitry of FIGS.  36 A- 36 F.  
     [0297] The circuitry of FIGS.  36 A- 36 F is believed to be self-explanatory. It is to be appreciated that although in the preferred embodiment, the circuitry of FIGS. 36A and 36B are embodied in the card, and the circuitry of FIGS.  36 C- 36 F is embodied either in the facilitator or in a communicator, alternatively some of the circuitry of FIGS.  36 C- 36 F may be included in the card and all of the circuitry of FIGS.  36 C- 36 F may be included in the communicator, thus obviating the need for the facilitator.  
     [0298] Reference is now made to FIG. 37, which describes the functionality of software embodied in a U5 Microcontroller PIC 16LF76 appearing in FIG. 36C. As seen in FIG. 37, the circuitry of FIGS.  36 A- 36 F is in a sleep mode until a key is pressed. When a key is pressed, the software scans the keyboard in order to identify which key was pressed and retrieves one or more information modules.  
     [0299] Thereafter, the software checks validity of the user interface card by reading a validity string from the retrieved information module and activates a communication channel, such as an IRDA communication channel for communication with a communicator. The supported command set of the communicator is requested and received and a message is prepared in an appropriate format, such as SMS and communicated, such as via IRDA to the communicator. A confirmation is received from the communicator and appropriate user feedback, such as visual or audio feedback is provided.  
     [0300] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.