Patent Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a storage medium to be attached to a mobile phone for use, the storage medium including: a contact type connection section configured to connect with the mobile phone; a wireless communication section configured to connect with a controller located outside; a subscriber information storage section configured to store subscriber information about a subscriber using the mobile phone; and a conflict control section configured to control access to the subscriber information storage section by the mobile phone through the contact type connection section, and access to the subscriber information storage section by the controller through the wireless communication section.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2008-019688 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Jan. 30, 2008, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a storage medium which stores information about the subscriber of a mobile phone, which includes a contact type interface connecting to the mobile phone, and which is furnished with SIM card functions defined by GSM (11.11) and ISO/IEC 7816. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     More particularly, the invention relates to a storage medium which has the size and terminal configuration defined by GSM (11.11) and ISO/IEC 7816; which provides a mobile phone with multiple capabilities including a memory card function, an electronic money function, and a credit card function; and which has a contact type mobile phone connection interface supplemented by a noncontact interface for allowing an external controller to control the data stored on the medium about service offerings such as the memory card function, electronic money function, and credit card function. 
     Against the background of rapid technological progress in data communication and widespread use of information processing equipment in recent years, common carriers have been reorganized, their price scales revised and their communication services diversified. Progress has been prominent particularly in mobile communication technologies such as mobile phones in the communication industry growing in leaps and bounds. 
     Generally, each mobile phone is furnished with a contact type IC (integrated circuit) card called a SIM (subscriber identity module) that stores information about the subscriber of the phone offered by a common carrier operating a mobile phone network. Many of today&#39;s mobile phones have noncontact IC card functions that support applications such as electronic money. There also exist a large number of mobile phones equipped with a slot for accommodating a memory card that stores images taken by camera and music data to be reproduced. What follows is a description of the background art regarding some of the card functions incorporated in the mobile phone. 
     SIM Card and IC Card 
     The SIM card is a contact type IC card defined by ISO/IEC 7816 and is used by mobile phones operating on the principles of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access). Each SIM card is assigned its unique number called IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). A call can be placed when the mobile phone is operated to combine its IMSI with its telephone number. 
     In order to be incorporated in the mobile phone, a SIM card  1  (see  FIG. 18B ) is made smaller (measuring 15 mm by 25 mm by 0.76 mm) than an ordinary noncontact type IC card  1 ′ (measuring 86 mm by 54 mm, see  FIG. 18B ) and has a specifically defined shape. The contact type IC card exchanges data with other equipment via a SIM terminal section  300  shaped as illustrated. 
       FIG. 19  schematically shows how the SIM card  1  is mounted on a mobile phone  2 . Because the SIM card must not be powered when inserted or removed, many mobile phones are structured to have the SIM card mounted or dismounted only if the battery pack is detached so as to remove power securely. In  FIG. 19 , the SIM card  1  is shown mounted behind a battery pack  21  at the back of the mobile phone  2 . 
     Changing the SIM card from one mobile phone to another can transport the telephone number between phones. Changing SIM cards by turns on a single mobile phone allows the phone to utilize a plurality of telephone numbers. Basically, however, the SIM card is not supposed to be inserted or removed frequently. The largest SIM card capacity in practice today is about 128 MB, large enough to store personal information about the subscriber and a telephone directory carrying tens of telephone numbers and related information. Some manufacturers have come to offer SIM cards with larger storage capacities of up to 1 GB, sufficient for accommodating content information as well. 
     Memory Card 
     The memory card is a card type memory device that has a large-capacity flash memory as its storage medium. There are a variety of memory card standards including those for Memory Stick, SD (Secure Digital) card, MMC (Multimedia Card), Compact Flash (registered trademark), and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. With a view to storing copyrighted media contents such as music and videos, some memory cards incorporate copyright management technologies. 
     Memory Card Incorporating SIM and Mass Memory Functions 
     For applications involving the use of both a nonvolatile memory and a SIM card, the memory card is convenient to use if it incorporates a SIM LSI (large scale integration) chip. For example, proposals have been made (such as one disclosed by JP-A-2004-506266) as to how the cards compatible with ISO/IEC 7816 may be shaped and structured to have pins in compliance with the MMC or SD card standard, and how the cards compatible with the MMC or SD card standard may be modified to include the card circuit structures defined by ISO/IEC 7816. 
     Proposals have also been made (such as one disclosed by JP-A-2006-523889) as to how a nonvolatile flash memory with its SIM functions compatible with the MMC or SD card standard may be combined with a controller to make up a composite memory card. The physical format of this composite memory card may be that of the plug-in SIM card, MMC, or SD card. In a representative composite memory card, the plug-in SIM card format is utilized, supplemented by a number of external electrical contacts that would allow the memory to operate in compliance with the MMC or SD card standard. 
     There has also appeared a SIM card-shaped memory card that combines the SIM card functions with a large-capacity nonvolatile memory capability (see “http://www.spansion.com/jp/flash_memory_products/mirrorbit_hd_sim.html” (as of Jan. 22, 2008)). This memory card has the SIM card electrical contacts installed independently of the electrical contacts (e.g., of MMC, USB) provided for access to a nonvolatile memory. Subscriber information for use by the mobile phone and a variety of media contents are managed in a single memory card. A copyright management function is provided to handle data to be stored in the nonvolatile memory capability. By changing his or her card from the old to the new phone terminal, the mobile phone subscriber can transport not only his or her subscriber information but also media contents to the newly acquired phone terminal. The common carrier, for its part, can securely manage both subscriber information and media contents offered to users through carrier content services, using the same card per user. Each mobile phone terminal has no need for a memory card slot. 
     Noncontact Type IC Card Technology 
     The noncontact type IC card is an IC card with the previous contact type IC card interface replaced by a wireless interface for connection to external equipment. In order to power itself, the IC card takes advantage of the electromagnetic induction effect brought about by a carrier signal transmitted by a reader/writer. The carrier signal, when suitably modulated, permits communication between the reader/writer and the card. The noncontact type IC card technology is currently used by such services as the electric money “Edy,” prepaid electronic transport fare system “Suica” (in Japan), and in-house ID cards. 
     One of the well-known noncontact IC card systems is “FeLiCa (registered trademark)” in Japan. The FeLiCa system involves the use of electromagnetic induction on a frequency band of 13.56 MHz. Modulation is carried out on a 10-percent amplitude shift keying (ASK) basis. With the Manchester encoding scheme adopted, transmission speeds of up to 212 kbps are attained. 
     The distance of communication by the noncontact IC card operating on electromagnetic induction is dependent on how its antenna is configured. Illustratively, a typical IC card measuring 86 mm by 54 mm with its periphery encircled by a coil-like antenna can communicate over distances from several to 10 centimeters. 
     The mobile phones in use across Japan incorporate noncontact IC card technology. For example, the typical mobile phone terminal may carry a mobile FeLiCa IC chip developed by FeLiCa Networks, Inc. The IC chip allows the mobile phone user to utilize the above-mentioned Edy and Suica (mobile Suica) for electronic payment through noncontact data exchanges. Furthermore, the mobile FeLiCa IC chip can be charged with electronic money via a mobile phone network. In such cases, the distance of communication is also dependent on the antenna configuration; each mobile phone terminal is furnished with a coil-shaped antenna surrounding the terminal periphery. 
     As described above, the typical mobile phone may incorporate the functions of a SIM card, a memory card, and a noncontact IC card in the form of separate media for use in services offered by the common carrier. The SIM card provides information delivery services such as voice calls and a mobile Internet service called i-mode (registered trademark); the memory card offers media content handling services (e.g., downloading of music); and the noncontact IC card technology allows the mobile phone user to utilize electronic money payment and transport fare settlement services. 
     The mobile phones incorporating the above-outlined card functions have gained widespread acceptance particularly in Japan. One reason for such developments is the implementation of a business model which is specific to Japan and which grants the common carrier wide margins of discretion. According to this business model, various services related to mobile phones have been offered in bulk by the common carrier. In addition, the specifications of the mobile phone terminals to be developed and produced by different manufacturers have basically been worked out by the common carrier at its discretion. 
     Meanwhile, different business models prevail in Europe, the Unites States and China, among others, where extensive mobile phone markets have developed. According to these business models, common carriers provide users only with SIM cards containing subscriber information; manufacturers are allowed basically to develop mobile phone terminals at their own discretion. It follows that compared with their counterparts in Japan, the common carriers of these regions have only narrow margins of discretion in offering their services to users. Even if a common carrier proposes offering an electronic money service using mobile phones, the service will not be implemented unless the phone manufacturers involved agree to incorporate noncontact communication capabilities in the phone terminals they market. 
     In the inventors&#39; view, one way to ensure wide margins of discretion for the common carriers offering their services outside Japan is by incorporating diverse functions in the SIM card to be provided to users. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and provides a storage medium which has the size and terminal configuration of the SIM card defined by GSM (11.11) and ISO/IEC 7816 and which, when mounted on a mobile phone terminal, furnishes the mobile phone with a plurality of functions including those of a memory card, electronic money, and a credit card. 
     The present invention also provides a storage medium which has not only a contact type interface for connection to a mobile phone but also a noncontact interface for allowing an external controller to control the data stored on the medium about such service offerings as the memory card, electronic money, and credit card. 
     The present invention further provides a storage medium which accommodates all circuit components regarding a noncontact interface including an antenna inside the SIM card defined by GSM (11.11) and ISO/IEC 7816 and which, when attached to a mobile phone terminal, ensures sufficient communication performance through the noncontact interface without being interfered with by the components of the phone terminal. 
     In carrying out the present invention and according to one embodiment thereof, there is provided a storage medium to be attached to a mobile phone for use, the storage medium including: contact type connection means for connecting with the mobile phone; wireless communication means for connecting with a controller located outside; subscriber information storage means for storing subscriber information about a subscriber using the mobile phone; and control means for controlling access to the subscriber information storage means by the mobile phone through the contact type connection means, and access to the subscriber information storage means by the controller through the wireless communication means. 
     In Japan today, the functions of a SIM card, a memory card, and a noncontact type IC card are incorporated in the form of separate media in the typical mobile phone. These media are utilized by the common carrier offering their services to subscribers. This situation, however, is unique to Japan where prevails the business model involving the common carrier offering a variety of mobile phone-related services in a lump to subscribers. The Japanese business practice is difficult to transplant to markets outside Japan where different business models dominate. In these markets, common carriers provide each user solely with a SIM card containing subscriber information; the carriers have only narrow margins of freedom in offering their services to the users. 
     In the inventors&#39; view, one way for common carriers outside Japan to secure wider margins of freedom in offering mobile phone-related services is by incorporating diverse functions into the SIM card to be provided to each subscriber. For example, if the SIM card is arranged to have a noncontact IC card capability, the user can easily transport his or her electronic money information from the old phone terminal to a new phone terminal by simply changing the SIM card between the two terminals. 
     The storage medium according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mobile phone when used. The storage medium includes the contact type connection means for connecting with the mobile phone; the wireless communication means for connecting with an externally located controller; and the subscriber information storage means for storing subscriber information about the subscriber using the mobile phone. The subscriber information storage means can be controlled by the mobile phone via the contact type connection means, as well as by the controller via the wireless communication means. 
     The storage medium according to the embodiment has the size and terminal configuration of a SIM card defined illustratively by GSM (11.11) and ISO/IEC 7816. The inventive storage medium structured as the SIM card may have not only the SIM function enabling the common carrier to handle subscriber information, but also a credit card function for handling electronic money. The credit card function may be controlled by the controller through wireless communication. If the SIM card is supplemented by a large-capacity memory card function, the control interface of the memory card may be accessed by the controller through wireless communication. 
     According to the invention, the noncontact credit card function may be readily incorporated into the mobile phone. Since the shape and terminal configuration of the traditional SIM card need not be altered, there is no need to modify the typical mobile phone terminal. This ensures easy implementation of the present invention. When replacing the old mobile phone terminal with a new phone terminal, the user can simply move the SIM card from the old terminal to the new terminal for transfer of necessary information. 
     The contact type connection means has its SIM interface controlled for data transfer in a manner complying illustratively with ISO/IEC 7816-3. The wireless communication means exchanges command/response APDU&#39;s with the controller in a manner defined by ISO/IEC 7816-4. 
     The contact type connection means acts as a transponder regarding a mobile phone which has a reader/writer capability. The storage medium equipped with the SIM function does not issue commands of itself. In order to have the SIM function execute its own applications, a specific command control sequence is adopted. According to this sequence, the mobile phone issues commands periodically to the medium. In turn, the SIM function indicates the presence or absence of a request by use of status bytes at the end of each command sequence. The mobile phone checks for any request that may have been made by the SIM function. 
     With the above command control sequence in effect, there is a possibility that an attempt at access to the subscriber information storage means by the controller via the wireless communication means can conflict with a command issued periodically by the mobile phone via the contact type connection means. The result can be command-response inconsistencies interpreted as irregularities between the mobile phone and the storage medium. This can cause the mobile phone to display an error indicator screen preventing the user from operating the phone terminal properly. 
     The storage medium of the embodiment of the present invention is furnished with the conflict control means to avoid such conflict between the access to the subscriber information storage means by the controller on the one hand, and the access to the subscriber information storage means by the mobile phone via the contact type connection means on the other hand. 
     The conflict control means may utilize one of the following three control methods to avoid conflict between attempts at access to the subscriber information storage means. 
     According to the first control method, the access attempt through wireless communication is inhibited as long as a clock signal is being input from the mobile phone. Upon receipt of a command from the controller while wireless communication access is being inhibited, the conflict control means sends a busy response to the controller via the wireless communication means. This prevents wireless communication access from taking place while the mobile phone is accessing the subscriber information storage means. 
     The second control method is devised to handle the case where a command is issued by the mobile phone requesting status information from the subscriber information storage means while that means is being accessed through wireless communication. Upon receipt of such a command, the conflict control means sends previously stored command response data to the mobile phone without accessing the subscriber information storage means. By disabling the command issued by the mobile phone, it is possible to let the ongoing wireless communication access continue. 
     The third control method is arranged to deal with the case where access to the subscriber information storage means is attempted by the mobile phone with a command other than a STATUS command while the subscriber information storage means is being accessed by the external controller through wireless communication. If the mobile phone attempts to access the subscriber information storage means while that means is being accessed by the controller via the wireless communication means, then the conflict control means performs a control sequence to let the ongoing command control sequence continue. Specifically, the control sequence may involve retaining the content of the received command, and sending a null sequence byte periodically to the mobile phone. The conflict control means then prompts the controller via the wireless communication means to stop accessing the subscriber information storage means immediately. Upon termination of the wireless communication access by the controller, the conflict control means sends the previously retained content of the received command to the subscriber information storage means. Thereafter, the command control sequence is relayed to the mobile phone. According to the third control method, as outlined, upon receipt of a command other than a STATUS command from the mobile phone during wireless communication access by the controller, the controller is prompted to end its access to the subscriber information storage means, and the command sequence from the mobile phone is allowed to continue. This method prevents the mobile phone from developing an error due to the inability to receive a correct response to certain commands being issued. 
     The reflected wave transmission scheme may be adopted for the wireless communication means that connects the storage medium with the controller. Reflected wave transmission permits power-saving, high-speed data transfer operations. According to this scheme, the wireless communication means is furnished with a reflector that transmits data using suitably modulated reflected waves. The controller is equipped with a reflected wave reader which sends out an unmodulated carrier signal and which reads data from the modulated reflected waves coming from the reflector. If a frequency band of 2.4 GHz is used for reflected wave transmission, then, say, the FeLiCa card operating on a frequency band of 13.56 MHz may have its antenna reduced appreciably in size. This makes it easier to integrate the SIM card with the wireless communication capability. 
     Where the antenna for reflected wave transmission is to be incorporated in the storage medium such as the SIM card, the built-in antenna may be provided in two parts: one on the face of the SIM card and the other on the back of it. This is to provide for the possibility of the SIM card being oriented differently (face up or back up) when inserted into the slot of a different mobile phone. 
     The storage medium according to the present invention, as outlined, has the size and terminal configuration of a SIM card defined by GSM (11.11) and ISO/IEC 7816, and offers a plurality of functions such as those of a memory card, electronic money, and a credit card for use on the mobile phone. 
     The storage medium of the present invention includes not only the contact type interface for connection with a mobile phone but also the noncontact interface that allows an externally located controller to control the data stored on the medium about such service offerings as memory card, electronic money, and credit card capabilities. 
     The storage medium according to this invention permits the subscriber information storage means to be accessed both by the mobile phone using an electrical signal via the contact type connection means, and by the external controller through wireless communication via the wireless communication means. The conflict control means of the inventive storage medium works to avoid conflicts between contending attempts to access the subscriber information storage means in diverse situations, e.g., where an attempt is made by the controller to access the subscriber information storage means wirelessly while a clock signal is being input from the mobile phone, or where the mobile phone with its STATUS command or some other command attempts to access the subscriber information storage means while that means is being accessed wirelessly by the controller. With such potential conflicts suitably averted, the mobile phone is protected from developing a conflict-induced error upon command access. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram showing a typical structure of a storage medium practiced as one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic view showing a typical structure of a SIM terminal section; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view showing a typical format of command data under the T0 protocol for use in communication through a SIM interface; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view showing a typical command control sequence under the T0 protocol; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view showing typical command control sequences associated with a STATUS command; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a typical internal structure of a conflict control section indicated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing detailed structures of interfaces between the conflict control section indicated in  FIG. 5  on the one hand; and the SIM terminal section, a SIM interface controller, and a noncontact wireless section on the other hand; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view showing the operation sequence of the conflict control section in effect when a mobile phone accesses the storage medium under the T0 protocol; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view showing typical structures of command and response frames in wireless frames; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view showing the operation sequences of the conflict control section in effect when the mobile phone accesses the storage medium using wireless frames; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view showing the operation sequences in effect when the conflict control section using the first control method works to avoid conflict between attempts at access to a SIM function section by the mobile phone and by a controller; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view showing the operation sequences in effect when the conflict control section using the second control method works to avoid conflict between attempts at access to the SIM function section by the mobile phone and by the controller; 
         FIG. 12  is another schematic view showing the operation sequences in effect when the conflict control section using the second control method works to avoid conflict between attempts at access to the SIM function section by the mobile phone and by the controller; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view showing the operation sequences in effect when the conflict control section using the third control method works to avoid conflict between attempts at access to the SIM function section by the mobile phone and by the controller; 
         FIG. 14  is a state transition diagram of the conflict control section; 
         FIG. 15  is a tabular view listing the processes performed by the conflict control section in each of the states indicated in the state transition diagram of FIG.  14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view showing the sequences in which the conflict control section stores a wireless-side file ID; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic view showing the sequences in which following the transition from wireless access by the controller to access by the mobile phone, an initial state is restored by interruption of a DEV_CLK signal from the mobile phone, before wireless access is performed again by the controller; 
         FIG. 18A  is a schematic view showing a typical structure of a SIM card; 
         FIG. 18B  is a schematic view showing a typical structure of a noncontact IC card; and 
         FIG. 19  is a set of views showing how a SIM card is mounted on the mobile phone. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Today in Japan, the typical mobile phone incorporates the functions of a SIM card, a memory card, and a noncontact IC card in the form of separate media for use in services offered by the common carrier. This is a business model specific to Japan and one in which various services related to mobile phones are offered to their subscribers in a lump by the common carrier. This Japanese business practice is difficult to transplant to markets outside Japan where common carriers provide each user solely with a SIM card containing subscriber information. According to this business practice, the carriers have only narrow margins of discretion in offering their services to the users. 
     In the inventors&#39; view, one way for common carriers outside Japan to secure wider margins of freedom in offering mobile phone-related services is by incorporating diverse functions into the SIM card to be provided to each subscriber. For example, if the SIM card is arranged to have a noncontact IC card capability, the user can easily transport his or her electronic money information from the old phone terminal to a new phone terminal by simply changing the SIM card between the two terminals. 
     Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-48289 assigned to the applicant of this invention proposes a storage medium having a SIM card furnished with noncontact IC card technology. Using this type of storage medium ensures the size and terminal configuration of the SIM card defined by GSM (11.11) and ISO/IEC 7816 and allows the host mobile phone to offer a plurality of functions such as memory card, electronic money, and credit card capabilities. Since there is no need to alter the shape and terminal configuration of the typical SIM card, the ordinary mobile phone need not be modified in any way. These advantages make it easy to implement the present invention. Upon replacement of the old mobile phone terminal with a new one, the existing information can be transferred to the new terminal by simply changing the SIM card from the old phone to the new one. 
       FIG. 1A  schematically shows a typical structure of a storage medium  1  practiced as one embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 1A , the storage medium  1  is shown to include a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) function section  13  made of a SIM terminal section  300 , a SIM interface controller  301 , a CPU (central processing unit)  302 , a system bus  303 , a ROM (read only memory)  304 , a RAM (random access memory)  305 , an encryption block  306 , and an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM)  307 . The SIM function section  13  combines with an antenna  12 , a noncontact wireless section  11 , and a conflict control section  10 , all placed in an enclosure of the SIM card configuration. With this structure, the storage medium  1  functions as an ordinary SIM card on the mobile phone  2  via a SIM interface  4 . A controller  3  can make use of the SIM functions of the storage medium  1  via a wireless interface  5 . 
       FIG. 1B  schematically shows a typical structure of the SIM terminal section  300 . The SIM terminal section  300  is an electrical signal terminal block for use with the SIM interface  4 . In compliance with ISO/IEC 7816-1/2, the terminal block has a power (VCC) terminal, a reset (Reset) terminal, a clock (Clock) terminal, a program power (VPP) terminal, a data input/output (I/O) terminal, a ground (GND) terminal, and reserved (RFU: Reserved for Future Use) terminals laid out as illustrated. 
     The SIM interface  4  in  FIG. 1  complies with ISO/IEC 7816. The storage medium  1  inputs a clock signal (Clock) and a reset signal (Reset) from the mobile phone and, using an input/output signal (I/O) synchronized with a predetermined clock count for half-duplex serial communication, exchanges byte data (i.e., characters) with the mobile phone  2 . Under the so-called T0 protocol, command data formed by a series of byte data is exchanged between the mobile phone  2  and the storage medium  1 . 
     The reflected wave transmission scheme may be adopted by the wireless interface  5  for interfacing the noncontact wireless section  11  with the controller  3 . In this setup, the wireless communication section  11  is furnished with a reflector that transmits data using suitably modulated reflected waves. The controller  3  is equipped with a reflected wave reader which sends out an unmodulated carrier signal and which reads data from the modulated reflected waves coming from the reflector. If a frequency band of 2.4 GHz is used for reflected wave transmission, then, say, the FeLiCa card operating on a frequency band of 13.56 MHz may have its antenna reduced appreciably in size. This makes it easier to integrate the SIM card with the wireless communication capability. Where the antenna  12  for reflected wave transmission is to be incorporated in the storage medium  1  such as the SIM card, the built-in antenna  12  may be provided in two parts: one on the face of the SIM card and the other on the back of it. This is to provide for the possibility of the SIM card being oriented differently (face up or back up) when inserted into the slot of a different mobile phone. 
     For more details about reflected wave transmission systems, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2005-64822 and 2005-323223 assigned to the applicant of this invention. 
       FIG. 2  schematically shows a typical format of command data under the T0 protocol for use in communication through the SIM interface  4 . 
     A header  40  is made up of parameters CLA, INS, P 1 , P 2  and P 3 , one byte long each and issued by the mobile phone  2 . The parameter CLA is a fixed-value parameter that provides information about the class regarding the card functions. For a SIM card compliant with GSM, the parameter CLA is fixed to 0xA0. The parameter INS provides the content of the command according to the class. The parameters P 1  and P 2  accompany the content of the command. The parameter P 3  provides the data length applicable to data  42  that follows. 
     A sequence byte  41  constitutes response data given by the storage medium  1  regarding the header  40 . In a normal response, the same value as that of the parameter INS is given. Also provided is a sequence byte (null sequence byte) called a null byte (value=0x60) for directing that the command processing of the storage medium  1  be awaited. 
     The data  42  accompanies the command. There are two kinds of data: the data output by the mobile phone  2  is called out-data  43 , and the data output by the storage medium  1  is called in-data  44 . The direction of the data being sent or received is determined by the content of the command. 
     The data  42  is followed by status bytes  45  output by the storage medium  1 . The status bytes  45  are made up of two bytes WS 1  and WS 2 . The two-byte combination signals end status of the command. Depending on the content of the byte SW 1 , the byte SW 2  signals the length of the data that can be received by issuing a particular command (GET_RESPONSE command, FETCH command, etc.). 
       FIG. 3  schematically shows a typical command control sequence under the T0 protocol for use in communication via the SIM interface  4 . The command control sequence  30  shown in  FIG. 3  is one of two sequences, an out-command control sequence  31  or an in-command control sequence  32  depending on the direction of the data  42 . The out-command control sequence  31  is a sequence in which the mobile phone  2  outputs out-data  43  subsequent to sequence bytes  41  and in which the storage medium  1  having received the out-data  43  returns status bytes  45 . The in-command control sequence  32  is a sequence in which the storage medium  1  outputs in-data  44  and in which the mobile phone  2  having received the in-data  44  returns status bytes  45 . 
     One of the SIM functions applicable to GSM is called SIM Took Kit (STK) defined by GSM 11.14. This is a function that enables the mobile phone  2  to carry out SIM applications. Under the T0 protocol defined by ISO/IEC 7816, the mobile phone  2  acts as a reader/writer and the storage medium  1  as a transponder. That means the storage medium (SIM)  1  cannot issue commands of itself. Instead, the storage medium  1  signals the presence or absence of any request using status bytes  45  at the end of a given command sequence. If there is a request, then the byte SW 1  is set for 0x91 in the status bytes  45 . In order to check for requests from the storage medium  1 , the mobile phone  2  periodically issues commands, the STATUS command in particular, regardless of the ongoing operations. 
       FIG. 4  schematically shows a typical command control sequence regarding a STATUS command. 
     Before the execution of a STATUS command control sequence  4003 , a SELECT command control sequence  4001  and a GET RESPONSE command control sequence  4002  are always carried out consecutively. 
     The SELECT command is used by the mobile phone  2  to selectively designate file data managed by the SIM function section  13 . A two-byte file ID is placed in out-data  431  for output to the storage medium  1 . 
     On receiving the SELECT command from the mobile phone  2 , the storage medium  1  reads internally the file attribute data corresponding to the file ID designated by the command. The storage medium  1  then returns a value SW 1 =0x9F as part of status bytes  451 . This value indicates that the mobile phone  2  is allowed to read the file attribute data using a subsequent GET RESPONSE command header  402  and that the immediately following value SW 2  designates the length of the data of interest. 
     In the ensuing GET RESPONSE command control sequence  4002 , the data length found in the value SW 2  is designated in the P 3  parameter of the header  402  bound for the storage medium  1 . This puts the file attribute data into in-data  442  that is sent to the mobile phone  2 . Status bytes  452  bound for the mobile phone  2  are made up of values SW 1 =0x90 and SW 2 =0x00. These values indicate a normal end of the sequence. 
     Thereafter, the file data in question is subjected to such processes as read and write operations. These processes involve the use of READ BINARY and UPDATE BINARY commands, among others. 
     The STATUS command control sequence  4003  is an in-command control sequence. The in-data  443  to be received during the sequence by the mobile phone  2  is the same as the in-data  442  received during the preceding GET RESPONSE command control sequence  4002 . Status bytes  453  are set with values SW 1 =0x90 and SW 2 =0x00 indicating a normal end of the sequence. If there is a request from an application offered by the STK function (described above), then the value SW 1  is set to 0x91. The value SW 2  contains the designated length of the data of which the receipt is requested by the STK function. 
     Upon receipt of the status bytes  453  from the storage medium  1 , the mobile phone  2  issues a FETCH command to receive the data requested by the STK function (described above). At the same time, the mobile phone  2  performs application processing requested by the STK function. This sequence, however, is irrelevant to the scope of the present invention and thus will not be discussed further. 
     In the manner described above, the mobile phone  2  continuously accesses the SIM function section  13  of the storage medium  1 . The mobile phone  2  issues the STATUS command periodically not only during the user&#39;s operations on the phone  2  but also when no operations are carried out. In such cases, there is a possibility that an attempt to access the SIM function section  13  of the storage medium  1  by the controller  3  through wireless communication can conflict with an access attempt by way of the SIM interface  4 . The conflict may trigger command-response inconsistencies between the mobile phone  2  and the storage medium  1 . Such inconsistencies are considered an error causing the mobile phone  2  to display an error indicator screen. This can prevent the user from normally operating the mobile phone  2 . 
     This embodiment is furnished with the conflict control section  10  to avoid such conflict between the access to the SIM function section  13  via the wireless interface  5  and the access to the SIM function section  13  via the SIM interface  4 . Illustratively, the conflict control section  10  may utilize one of the following three control methods to avoid conflict between attempts at access to the SIM function section  13 . 
     According to the first control method, access through wireless communication is inhibited as long as the clock signal is being input from the mobile phone  2 . If a command is received from the controller  3  while the wireless access is being inhibited, the storage medium  1  sends a busy response to the controller  3 . This prevents wireless communication access from taking place while the mobile phone  2  is accessing the storage medium  1 . 
     The second control method is devised to handle the case where a STATUS command is issued by the mobile phone  2  while the SIM function section  13  is being accessed through wireless communication. In that case, the conflict control section  10  sends previously stored STATUS command response data to the mobile phone  2  without accessing the SIM function section  13 . When the STATUS command is issued with no operations performed on the mobile phone  2 , the ongoing wireless communication access is allowed to continue. 
     The third control method is arranged to deal with the case where access to the SIM function section  13  is attempted by the mobile phone  2  using a command other than a STATUS command while the SIM function section  13  is being accessed by the external controller  3  through wireless communication. Upon receipt of a header  40 , the conflict control section  10  retains the header  40  and sends a null sequence byte periodically to the mobile phone  2  to let the ongoing command control sequence continue (or to keep the sequence waiting to end). IEC 7816 defines a sequence in which the IC card sends a null sequence byte to the mobile phone at intervals short enough to stave off a time-out. In parallel with transmission of the null sequence byte, the conflict control section  10  prompts the controller  3  to stop accessing the SIM function section  13  immediately via the noncontact wireless section  11  by informing the controller  3  of the access attempt by the mobile phone  2  using a response frame. Upon completion of the wireless communication access by the controller  3 , the conflict control section  10  sends the previously retained header  40  to the SIM function section  13 . Thereafter, the command control sequence is relayed to the mobile phone  2 . According to the third control method, upon receipt of a command other than the STATUS command from the mobile phone  2  during wireless communication access by the controller  3 , the controller  3  is prompted to end its wireless communication access, and the command sequence from the mobile phone  2  is allowed to continue. This method prevents the mobile phone  2  from developing an error due to the inability to receive a correct response to certain commands being issued. 
     Below is a description of how the conflict control section  10  works in the storage medium  1 . The description will be followed by explanations of the first through the third control methods mentioned above. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a typical internal structure of the conflict control section  10  indicated in  FIG. 1A . The conflict control section  10  in  FIG. 5  includes a SIM interface control section  101 , a wireless interface control section  102 , a status management section  103 , an information storage section  104 , and an interface access control section  105 . 
     The SIM interface control section  101  carries out electrical and logical interface control on the SIM interface  4  in compliance with ISO/IEC 7816. Through an interface  110  to the interface access control section  105 , the SIM interface control section  101  sends and receives command/response data in increments of a data unit shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The SIM interface control section  101  sends a header  1102  and out-data  1104  using a transmission trigger  1101  in the direction of the interface access control section  105 . In turn, the interface access control section  105  sends a sequence byte (ACK)  1103 , in-data  1105 , and status bytes  1106  using a reception trigger  1107  in the direction of the SIM interface control section  101 . 
     Furthermore, the SIM interface control section  101  detects whether a DEV_CLK signal is being output or stopped, whether any command is received from the mobile phone  2 , and whether a response is sent to the mobile phone  2 . The results of the detection are sent to the status management section  103  by the SIM interface control section  101  using a state transition trigger  111 . 
     The wireless interface control section  102  effects data control on a noncontact wireless section interface  7 . An interface  112  to the interface access control section  105  is structured the same as the interface  110 . The wireless interface control section  102  detects the reception of command frame data from the noncontact wireless section  11  and the transmission of a response frame, and informs the status management section  103  of such reception and transmission using a state transition trigger  113 . 
     The status management section  103  is a state machine that manages state transitions reflecting the above-mentioned state transition triggers  111  and  113  as well as a state transition trigger  114  coming from the interface access control section  105 . The resulting states are signaled to the interface access control section  105  through a state notification  115 . 
     Where the above-mentioned second control method is in effect, the information storage section  104  stores the file ID from the mobile phone  2  side, file attribute information, and status bytes. Where the third control method is in effect, the information storage section  104  retains header information. When wireless access is restored subsequent to the access by the mobile phone  2  (as will be discussed later), the information storage section  104  stores the file ID from the wireless side. 
     The interface access control section  105  performs electrical and logical interface control as well as data control over the SIM interface controller  301  with regard to a transmission trigger  1101  or  1121  from the SIM interface control section  101  or from the wireless interface control section  102  in a manner complying with ISO/IEC 7816. The interface access control section  105  sends response data to the relevant control section. In response to the status signaled by the status management section  103 , one of the first through the third control methods is brought in practice, as will be described later in detail. 
       FIG. 6  schematically shows detailed structures of the interfaces  4 ,  6  and  7  between the conflict control section  10  indicated in  FIG. 5  on the one hand; and the SIM terminal section  300 , SIM interface controller  301 , and noncontact wireless section  11  on the other hand. 
     The SIM interface  4  is an electrical signal arrangement defined by ISO/IEC 7816. As such, the SIM interface  4  allows a clock signal (DEV_CLK)  641  and a reset signal (DEV_RST)  642  from the mobile phone  2  to enter the conflict control section  10  and enables serial data to be input or output on a half-duplex basis using an input/output signal (DEV_IO)  643 . 
     A SIM interface controller interface  6  is an electrical signal arrangement similar to that of the SIM interface  4 . As such, the SIM interface controller interface  6  allows a clock signal (SIM_CLK)  661  and a reset signal (SIM_RST)  662  to be output to the SIM interface controller  301  and enables serial data to be input or output on a half-duplex basis using an input/output signal (SIM_IO)  663 . 
       FIG. 7  schematically shows the operation sequence of the conflict control section  10  in effect when the mobile phone  2  accesses the storage medium  1  under the T0 protocol. 
     The conflict control section  10  performs through control involving serial data exchanges between the DEV_IO signal  643  and the SIM_IO signal  663  in increments of a header  40 , a sequence byte (ACK)  41 , data  42  (out-data  43 , in-data  44 ), and status bytes  45  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In that manner, the conflict control section  10  carries out a mobile-side command control sequence  60  identical to the command control sequence  30  in  FIG. 3  involving the SIM interface  4  and SIM interface controller interface  6 . 
     In a mobile-side out-command control sequence  61 , the conflict control section  10  waits for a five-byte header  40  to be received from the DEV_IO signal  643 . After the header  40  has been received, the conflict control section  10  outputs the header  40  to the SIM_IO signal  663 . 
     The conflict control section  10  then waits for a one-byte ACK signal  41  to be received from the SIM_IO signal  663 . After the ACK signal  41  has been received, the conflict control section  10  outputs the ACK signal  41  to the DEV_IO signal  643 . 
     The conflict control section  10  waits for out-data  43  of as many bytes as the number designated by the P 3  parameter of the header  40 , to be received from the DEV_IO signal  643 . After the out-data  43  has been received, the conflict control section  10  outputs the out-data  43  to the SIM_IO signal  663 . 
     The conflict control section  10  then waits for status bytes  45  to be received from the SIM_IO signal  663 . After the status bytes  45  have been received, the conflict control section  10  outputs the status bytes  45  to the DEV_IO signal  643 . This brings the mobile-side out-command control sequence  61  to an end. 
     In a mobile-side in-command control sequence  62 , as in the above-described mobile-side out-command control sequence  61 , the conflict control section  10  first carries out through control on the header  40  and ACK signal  41 , and waits for in-data  44  to be received from the SIM_IO signal  663 . The difference from the mobile-side out-command control sequence  61  is that after the in-data  44  has been received, the conflict control section  10  outputs the in-data to the DEV_IO signal  643 . 
     Following through control on the ACK signal  41 , the conflict control section  10  receives either the out-data  43  from the DEV_IO signal  643  or the in-data  44  from the SIM_IO signal  663 . Which of the two kinds of data is to be received is determined by the INS parameter obtained upon receipt of the header  40 . 
       FIG. 8  schematically shows typical structures of command and response frames in wireless frames. A payload field  153  in a wireless frame  15  is set with a header  40 , out-data  43 , in-data  44 , and status bytes  45 . This structure makes it possible to implement wireless transmission and reception of command data regarding the IC card in compliance with the T0 protocol (discussed above) defined by IEC 7816. 
     Command frame data  70  is divided into out-command frame data  701  and in-command frame data  702 . Response frame data  71  is grouped into out-response frame data  711  and in-response frame data  712 . With regard to the out-command control sequence  31  shown in  FIG. 3 , the out-command frame data  701  and out-response frame data  711  are constituted. With respect to the in-command control sequence  32 , the in-command frame data  702  and in-response frame data  712  are constituted. 
     The noncontact wireless section interface  7  in  FIG. 6  permits command data exchanges with the conflict control section  10  in conjunction with the transmission and reception of commands and responses to and from the controller through wireless communication. The noncontact wireless section interface  7  allows the noncontact wireless section  11  to output command frame data  70  and permits the conflict control section  10  to output response frame data  71 . 
       FIG. 9  schematically shows the operation sequences of the conflict control section  10  in effect when the mobile phone  2  accesses the storage medium  1  using wireless frames. 
     Where wireless connection is established with the controller  3 , a wireless-side out-command control sequence  81  is defined for the reception of the out-command frame data  701  shown in  FIG. 8 , and a wireless-side in-command control sequence  82  is defined for the reception of the in-command frame data  702  also indicated in  FIG. 8 . Both the wireless-side out-command control sequence  81  and the wireless-side in-command control sequence  82  are subsumed under what is defined as a wireless-side command control sequence  80 . 
     When the wireless-side out-command control sequence  81  is in effect, the noncontact wireless section  11  first receives an out-command frame from the controller  3 . Upon receipt of the out-command frame, the noncontact wireless section  11  performs through control involving the transfer to the conflict control section  10  of the out-command frame data  701  included in the received frame. 
     In compliance with ISO/IEC 7816, the conflict control section  10  carries out the out-command control sequence  31  shown in  FIG. 3  for the SIM interface controller  301  inside the SIM function section  13 , thereby acquiring status bytes  45  from the SIM function section  13 . Based on the status bytes  45 , the conflict control section  10  composes out-response frame data  711  and outputs the data  711  to the noncontact wireless section  11 . In turn, the noncontact wireless section  11  sends an out-response frame to the controller  3 . 
     Meanwhile, in the wireless-side in-command control sequence  82 , the noncontact wireless section  11  receives an in-command frame from the controller  3 . Upon receipt of the in-command frame, the noncontact wireless section  11  performs through control involving the transfer to the conflict control section  10  of in-command frame data  702  included in the received frame. 
     In compliance with ISO/IEC 7816, the conflict control section  10  carries out the in-command control sequence  32  shown in  FIG. 3  for the SIM function section  13 , thereby acquiring in-data  44  and status bytes  45  from the SIM function section  13 . Based on the in-data  44  and status bytes  45 , the conflict control section  10  composes in-response frame data  712  and outputs the data  712  to the noncontact wireless section  11 . In turn, the noncontact wireless section  11  sends an in-response frame to the controller  3 . 
     As described, the conflict control section  10  performs the mobile-side command control sequence  60  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) between the SIM interface  4  and the SIM interface controller interface  6  with regard to the access from the mobile phone  2  to the SIM function section  13 , whereby the command control sequence  30  is relayed. Regarding the access from the controller  3  to the SIM function section  13 , the conflict control section  10  carries out the wireless command control sequence  80  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) between the noncontact wireless section interface  7  and the SIM interface controller interface  6 , whereby the command control sequence  30  is relayed. 
     The SIM interface controller interface  6  is shared by the mobile phone  2  and controller  3  when each of them attempts to access the SIM function section  13 . That means there is a possibility that two attempts to access the section  13  can conflict with each other; such access attempts must be controlled suitably to avert the conflict therebetween. Since the mobile phone  2  issues the STATUS command periodically (as explained above), access conflict is expected to occur frequently. 
     With this embodiment, the conflict control section  10  controls access conflict using one of the first through the third control methods outlined above. What follows is a more detailed description of the first through the third control methods. 
     First Control Method 
     According to the first control method, access from the controller  3  through wireless communication is inhibited as long as the clock signal (DEV_CLK) is being input from the mobile phone  2 ; only the mobile phone  2  is allowed to access the SIM function section  13 . The first control method is effected as will be explained below in reference to the sequence diagram of  FIG. 10 . 
     In the initial state ( 900 ), the conflict control section  10  detects a clock signal (DEV_CLK)  901  coming from the mobile phone  2 . Upon detection of the clock signal, the conflict control section  10  reaches the state of occupancy by the mobile side ( 902 ). 
     In the state of occupancy by the mobile side, the mobile phone  2  occupies the SIM function section  13 . In this state, the mobile-side command control sequence  60  shown in  FIG. 7  is allowed to be carried out. 
     In the state of occupancy by the mobile side, access to the SIM function section  13  by the controller  3  is inhibited. When the noncontact wireless section  11  receives a command frame ( 903 ) and command frame data  70  reaches the conflict control section  10 , the conflict control section  10  does not access the SIM function section  13 , creates status bytes  45  indicating that the SIM function section  13  is being occupied by the mobile phone  2 , and composes response frame data  71  ( 904 ). The conflict control section  10  sends a response frame to the controller  3  via the noncontact wireless section  11  ( 905 ). In this manner, while the SIM function section  13  is being occupied by the mobile phone  2 , an attempt to access the SIM function section  13  with a command from the wireless side is suppressed to avoid access conflict. 
     When the output of the clock signal DEV_CLK from the mobile phone  2  is stopped ( 906 ), the initial state is restored ( 907 ). 
     Second Control Method 
     The second control method is devised so as to handle the case where a STATUS command is issued by the mobile phone  2  while the SIM function section  13  is being accessed through wireless communication. In that case, the conflict control section  10  sends previously stored STATUS command response data to the mobile phone  2  without accessing the SIM function section  13 . 
     Described below in reference to the sequence diagram of  FIG. 11  is how the conflict control section  10  stores the STATUS command response data in advance according to the second control method. 
     The conflict control section  10  detects a clock signal DEV_CLK coming from the mobile phone  2 . Upon receipt of the DEV_CLK signal, the conflict control section  10  reaches the state of occupancy by the mobile side. In this state, the mobile-side command control sequence  60  shown in  FIG. 7  is allowed to be carried out. 
     In the mobile-side command control sequence  60 , the conflict control section  10  performs through control involving the transfer of serial data between an input/output signal DEV_IO  643  and an input/output signal SIM_IO  663  in increments of the data unit made up of a header  40 , a sequence byte (ACK)  41 , data  42  (out-data  43 , in-data  44 ), and status bytes  45  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     If a SELECT command is received from the mobile phone  2  via the SIM terminal section  300 , then the conflict control section  10  stores the out-data  431  received from the SIM terminal section  300  as a mobile-side file ID ( 1000 ). 
     In the GET RESPONSE command control sequence carried out following the SELECT command, the conflict control section  10  stores the in-data  442  and status bytes  452  received from the SIM function section  13  ( 1001 ). 
     When the output of the clock signal DEV_CLK from the mobile phone  2  is stopped, the initial state is restored. 
     Explained below in reference to the sequence diagram of  FIG. 12  is how the conflict control section  10 , resorting to the second control method, sends the previously stored STATUS command response data to the mobile phone  2  while wireless access is underway. 
     In the initial state, the conflict control section  10  detects a command frame  70  coming from the noncontact wireless section  11 . Upon detection of the command frame  70 , the conflict control section  10  reaches the state of occupancy by the wireless side. In this state, the SIM function section  13  is occupied by the controller  3  through wireless access while attempts at access by the mobile phone  2  are inhibited. 
     In the state of occupancy by the wireless side, the conflict control section  10  detects a clock signal DEV_CLK coming from the SIM terminal section  300 . Upon detection of the DEV_CLK signal, the conflict control section  10  reaches a wireless access interrupted state. Upon receipt of a STATUS command header  403 , the conflict control section  10  sends an ACK signal  413  to the mobile phone  2  via the SIM terminal section  300  without accessing the SIM function section  13 . 
     The conflict control section  10  then sends in-data  443  to the mobile phone  2  via the SIM terminal section  300 . The in-data  443  is composed of the file attribute information stored beforehand in the processing sequence shown in  FIG. 11 . The conflict control section  10  further sends status bytes  453  stored previously in like manner to the mobile phone  2  via the SIM terminal section  300 . 
     Thereafter, the conflict control section  10  returns to the state of occupancy by the wireless side. In this state, the conflict control section  10  sends response frame data  71  regarding the command frame data  70  to the controller  3  via the noncontact wireless section  11 . 
     After transmitting the response frame data  71  to the noncontact wireless section  11 , the conflict control section  10  maintains the state of occupancy by the wireless side. 
     As described above, if a STATUS command is received from the mobile phone  2  while the SIM function section  13  is being accessed wirelessly, the conflict control section  10  sends a predetermined response to the mobile phone  2 . This arrangement suppresses potential conflict between the attempts at access to the SIM function section  13  and allows the ongoing wireless access from the controller  3  to continue. 
     Third Control Method 
     The third control method is arranged so as to deal with the case where access to the SIM function section  13  is attempted by the mobile phone  2  using a command other than a STATUS command while the SIM function section  13  is being accessed by the external controller  3  through wireless communication. How the third control method works will now be described below in reference to the sequence diagram of  FIG. 13 . 
     In the state of occupancy by the wireless side, the SIM function section  13  is occupied by the controller  3  with wireless access while access by the mobile phone  2  is inhibited. Upon detection of a clock signal DEV_CLK coming from the SIM terminal section  300  in the state of occupancy by the wireless side, the conflict control section  10  reaches a wireless access interrupted state ( 1100 ). 
     In the wireless access interrupted state ( 1100 ), the conflict control section  10  receives a command other than the STATUS command from the mobile phone  2  via the SIM terminal section  300 . Upon receipt of that command, the conflict control section  10  stores the header  40  of the command in question ( 1101 ). The conflict control section  10  sends a null sequence byte ( 1102 ) to the mobile phone  2  via the SIM terminal section  300 , thereby putting off a time-out on the reception of an ACK signal on the mobile phone side ( 1103 ). 
     Using the file ID stored (in step  1000 ) during the processing sequence of  FIG. 11 , the conflict control section  10  then carries out SELECT and GET RESPONSE command sequences for the mobile phone  2  via the SIM function section  13 . This restores the file designated by the mobile phone  2  prior to wireless access ( 1104 ). 
     The conflict control section  10  proceeds to send the header  40  stored in step  1101  to the mobile phone  2  via the SIM function section  13 , before reaching the state of occupancy by the mobile side ( 1105 ). Thereafter, the conflict control section  10  transfers the ACK signal  41  coming from the SIM function section  13  to the mobile phone  2  via the SIM terminal section  300  and performs the mobile-side command control sequence  60 . 
     As described, when the conflict control section  10  receives a command other than the STATUS command from the mobile phone  2  during wireless access by the controller  3 , the conflict control section  10  interrupts the wireless communication with the controller  3  and proceeds to handle the access by the mobile phone  2  to the SIM function section  13 . This allows the command sequence from the mobile phone  2  to continue, and prevents the mobile phone  2  from developing an error stemming from command-response inconsistencies. 
     When controlling access conflict using the first through the third control methods discussed above, the conflict control section  10  makes transitions as needed among three states: the state of occupancy by the mobile side in which the mobile phone  2  monopolizes access to the SIM function section  13 ; the state of occupancy by the wireless side in which the controller  3  monopolizes access to the SIM function section  13 ; and the wireless access interrupted state in which the controller  3  has its access to the SIM function section  13  interrupted. The transitions to the different states by the conflict control section  10  are managed by the state machine inside the status management section  103  (mentioned above).  FIG. 14  is a state transition diagram of the conflict control section  10 .  FIG. 15  is a tabular view listing the processes performed by the conflict control section  10  in each of the different states. 
     In the processing sequence shown in  FIG. 13 , as explained above, a file ID is selected again (in step  1104 ) for the SIM function section  13  upon transition from the state of occupancy by the wireless side to the wireless access interrupted state, for changeover to access from the mobile phone  2 . When the transition from wireless access by the controller  3  to access by the mobile phone  2  is followed by a further transition to wireless access, the file ID on the controller side needs to be selected again. Below is a description of how the file ID is selected again on the controller side. 
       FIG. 16  schematically shows the sequences in which the conflict control section  10  stores a wireless-side file ID. If a wireless-side SELECT command control sequence  811  is carried out in the initial state or in the state of occupancy by the wireless side, then the out-data  43  attached to SELECT command frame data  7011  is stored as the wireless-side file ID. 
       FIG. 17  schematically shows the sequences in which, following the transition from wireless access by the controller  3  to access by the mobile phone  2 , the initial state is restored by interruption of a DEV_CLK signal from the mobile phone  2 , before wireless access is performed again by the controller  3 . 
     Upon receipt of command frame data  70  in the initial state, the conflict control section  10  executes SELECT and GET RESPONSE commands on the SIM function section  13  using the wireless-side file ID stored during the processing sequence shown in  FIG. 16 . The conflict control section  10  then makes transition to the state of occupancy by the wireless side. Thereafter, the wireless-side command control sequence is allowed to continue. 
     Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims that follow. 
     For example, although the inventive storage medium for storing the subscriber information about the mobile phone was discussed above with emphasis on the SIM card defined by GSM (11.11) and ISO/IEC 7816, this is not limitative of the present invention. This invention can be applied not only to the SIM card that is currently utilized extensively by mobile phones operating on the GSM or W-CDMA principles, but also to other diverse types of storage media which may or may not be compatible with the SIM card and which can be used to store subscriber information about mobile phones. 
     Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6