WO2014170725A1

WO2014170725A1 - Storage device in a sim card slot

Info

Publication number: WO2014170725A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/055474
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adebayo Michael AYODEJI; Gyang Paul DAVOU; Mac-Emmanuel B. J FOM
Original assignee: Phonelab Technologies Limited
Priority date: 2013-04-17
Filing date: 2013-07-04
Publication date: 2014-10-23

Abstract

The present invention discloses a storage device for copying, transferring and restoring data from a communication device and vice versa, wherein the storage device is configured to be positioned within SIM card slot of the communication device, and wherein the storage device does not have RF capability for network access. Storage device can further include a memory unit comprising a set of programmed instructions, which when executed perform functions relating to copy, transfer, restore, and management functions of the storage device.

Description

STORAGE DEVI CE I N A S I M CARD SLOT

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a storage device that can be positioned in a SIM card slot of a mobile communication device and configured to copy, transfer, and restore data from and to the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Along with rapid development of wireless communication, mobile communication devices have become an indispensable part of modern life. With the introduction of Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication, and Personal Communications System (PCS), mobile subscribers are provided with a number of advanced subscriber features and applications. Using a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card attached to a mobile communication device, GSM system directs a user's incoming calls to the mobile communication device. SIM card is a user replacement module used by a commercial entity providing a network to ensure that mobile communication device is connected to commercial entity's network. User can change mobile apparatuses simply by moving the SIM card from a mobile communication device to another.

[0003] The most important information stored in a SIM card comprises subscriber's identification information such as subscriber's phone number, user code, personal identity code (PIC), security code, etc., needed by a mobile system to identify, authenticate and locate a mobile subscriber. A mobile subscriber can also desired personal information, for example short messages, subscriber's private phone book or numbers, schedules, and other user-selectable information in the memory unit of a detachable SIM card and freely associate it with any available mobile communication device.

[0004] With an increasing demand for wireless communication services and decreasing prices for mobile communication devices, users are prone to upgrade their mobile devices more frequently as owning several mobile devices simultaneously is not common. Therefore, by inserting an original SIM card of a replaced device into a new mobile device, stored subscriber information in the inserted SIM card is made available to the new device. As a result, the mobile subscriber is able to freely utilize any available mobile communication device while maintaining the same data.

[0005] However, mobile subscribers frequently want to transfer and preserve stored data into a storage device as a backup so that the data can be easily duplicated or copied from a storage device into a SIM card memory or a phone memory and vice versa. This need for backing up SIM card data or phone data is slowly becoming an increasing need of mobile communication users, especially in context of situations when the phones get lost, stolen, or break.

[0006] It is not an uncommon situation for a subscriber to accidentally lose data stored in a mobile communication device or lose the mobile communication device itself. In such situation, information stored in SIM card memory or phone memory, which may contain important business or personal information are also lost. Such threats give rise to development of storage devices that can preserve data and directly restore them when the need arises. One effective solution for the aforementioned problem can be to directly backup the data stored in SIM card memory or phone memory without the engagement of any third party data transfer device, a function unfulfilled by any existing storage device or related device.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application No. JP2008182590 provides an information processor, along with a power supply device and a data backup system, which is capable of easily backing up the information processor while assuring security, and capable of backing up only required information. The application further discloses a desktop holder for charging, a card slot which can be loaded with a memory card. In a mobile phone to be set on a main body, the ID of the memory card is registered. Subsequently, user data can be backed up in the memory card when the password inputted from the mobile phone agrees with the registered ID. Therefore, data backup can be performed with any charger such as the desktop holder and various other storage media.

[0008] European Patent Application No. EP2003595 provides a mounting socket for a memory card and a SIM card having an integrated sensing switch capable of easily sensing insertion of a SIM card with a simplified configuration thereof and achieving convenience in fabrication and installation without requiring a separate assembly process thereof, resulting in simplified overall assembly of the mounting socket. The application further provides a mounting socket that includes a socket body made out of an insulating material and having a SIM card insertion recess, a memory card insertion recess, and insertion slots, a metal housing made of a thin metal material to be coupled to the upper surface of the socket body, a lower metal plate made of a thin metal material to be coupled to the lower surface of the socket body, and an integrated sensing switch integrally formed with the metal housing and the lower meta plate to sense insertion of the SIM card.

[0009] As can be seen, existing storage devices cannot store data such as messages and phone numbers from a mobile communication device directly or automatically without the engagement of a third party data transfer device which enables the transfer. Existing storage devices only work on memory slots and do not work on SIM slots in a mobile communication device, thereby requiring an additional hardware slot to be created for storing or taking backup of content. Furthermore, existing storage devices can only store information such as music, videos, pictures, documents but are not configured to take backup of messages (SMS) and phone numbers (Contacts).

[00010] In view of the foregoing, there is therefore a need for a storage device that can facilitate a means of copying, transferring and storing messages and phone numbers from a SIM card memory or phone memory and vice versa without an engagement of any third party data transfer devices. Furthermore, there also exists a need for a storage device that can be inserted on SIM card slots of any mobile communication device.

[00011] These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. [00012] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

[00013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage device that can automatically and/or manually copy contacts and/or messages from memory of any mobile communication device.

[00014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage device that can perform a backup and restore function on any communication device using its SIM slot.

[00015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage device with no network access or RF capability.

[00016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage device that can enable data retention.

[00017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage system that is password protected.

[00018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage device that can switch to multiple phonebooks and message inbox.

[00019] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the invention herein below along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00020] The present invention discloses a storage device for copying, transferring and restoring data to and from a communication device, preferably a mobile communication device, without any engagement of a separate memory slot for a third party data transfer or other storage device. Storage device of the present invention includes a memory unit for copying, transferring and storing data such as messages, phone numbers, contacts, subscriber information, music files, video files, pictures and documents from a mobile communication device. It should be noted that although most of the present disclosure has been explained with reference to a storage device copying, transferring and storing data to and from a communication device, scope of the present invention would cover all possible and compatible types of electronic devices.

[00021] In one aspect of the present invention, storage device of the present invention includes a memory unit and a connector for communicating with a mobile communication device, wherein the storage device is inserted into SIM card slot of the mobile device, allowing connector of the storage device to come in connection with connection hardware of the mobile device and initiate communication between the two devices. For instance, the connectors act as a gateway for communication between the two devices enabling data backup and restore. In an implementation, memory unit of storage device can include a set of instructions that are executed by processor of the mobile device in order to perform backup and restore operations.

[00022] According to another embodiment, storage device of the present invention includes a data copying and transferring means for copying and transferring data from mobile communication device to storage device and vice versa. Memory unit of the storage device further includes a data storing means for storing content from mobile device. This copying, transferring and storing means facilitates the copy, transfer and store functions between the storage device and the memory of communication device. Furthermore, as the proposed storage device is configurable in the SIM Card Slot of the mobile device, there is no separate slot that is required for an external memory card. Further, in an embodiment, storage device can be configured such that it has no network access or F capability and therefore although it appears exactly like a SIM, it does not have any communication capability with a network service provider and merely is configured with a memory unit to store and transfer content from and to respective mobile device(s). [00023] According to another embodiment, memory unit of the storage device of the present invention includes a set of instructions to perform copy, transfer and store function. These sets of instructions are programmed to initiate and control flow of data between communication device and storage device. These instructions are written in machine readable language and therefore can be read and executed by any appropriate mobile communication and electronic device.

[00024] Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00025] In figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[00026] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic showing front and rear views of a typical mobile communication device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00027] Fig. 2 illustrates various components of the proposed system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00028] Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary mobile communication device having a SIM card slot in which proposed storage device is positioned in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [00029] Fig. 4 illustrates interaction between phone/SMS data stored in a mobile communication device and proposed SIM card slot based storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00030] Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary menu on user interface of a mobile communication device configured to allow copy, transfer, and other such functions relating to backup of data from and to proposed storage device.

[00031] Fig. 6 illustrates interaction between application and operating system of the proposed storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00032] The following is a description of the present invention. The invention will firstly be described with reference to one exemplary structure. Some variations will then be described as well as advantages of the present invention. Moreover, while the present invention is illustrated by a number of preferred embodiments directed to a storage device, it is not intended that these illustrations be a limitation on the scope or applicability of the present invention. Further, while the illustrative examples use storage card reader, it should be recognized that the electrical portions might be replaced with other electrical related portions. Thus, it is not intended that the storage device of the present invention be limited to the structures illustrated. This device is included to demonstrate the utility and application of the present invention to present the preferred embodiments.

[00033] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a storage device for manually or automatically copying, transferring and storing data to/from SIM card memory and/or phone memory of a mobile communication device, wherein the storage device is configured to be positioned and structured within the SIM card slot of the mobile device and does not require any additional memory slot on the mobile device hardware. Storage device of the present invention can be configured in the shape of a SIM card without any F capability and therefore merely incorporates a memory unit for copying, storing and transferring data such as messages, phone numbers, music files, video files, pictures, and documents from the mobile communication device and does not interact with any communication network.

[00034] The present invention also allows efficient data storage and transfer function through a set of programmed instructions, which define desired actions to be taken by a user. One or more connectors can be configured on the storage of the present invention to allow its operative coupling with the SIM card slot of the mobile device, wherein the storage device can be further configured to have an Operating System that allows applications stored in the storage device to be executed for implementing one or more desired functionalities.

[00035] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[00036] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general- purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, firmware and/or by human operators.

[00037] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a computer program product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware). [00038] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.

[00039] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[00040] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a storage device, it should be appreciated that the same has been done merely to illustrate the invention in an exemplary manner and any other purpose or function for which the explained structure or configuration can be used, is covered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00041] In one aspect, the proposed disclosure relates to a storage device that can backup and restore contacts and messages from a communication device, preferably a mobile communication device. The present invention is not only applicable to communication devices but also to any other appropriate electronic device that can be used for communication or storage of content/data. The proposed invention further provides long data retention, and multiple phonebooks and message inboxes to be backed up using no additional hardware requirement.

[00042] Spirit of the proposed invention can be explained and understood by the following embodiments with corresponding figures. FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile communication device, specifically a mobile phone 100. Communication device 100 represents a front view 1 10 that has a display means (not shown) and a text input mechanism, which can either be through touch enable or by means of one or more keys. In an embodiment, display means can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), an Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode (AMOLED) based display, a super AMOLED Display, an in-plane switching (IPS LCD) display, a super LCD (SLCD), among many other such display mechanisms. Text input means, on the other hand, comprises buttons with specific functions for input.

[00043] In an embodiment, mobile communication device 100 further illustrates a rear side view 120 of the device 100 in an open mode. Rear side view 120 shows a number of hardware connections and slots configured to incorporate multiple hardware components such as a processor, a battery, and a SIM card, among other components. In an exemplary embodiment, rear side 120 also illustrates a slot 130 for holding and connecting a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card, wherein a SIM card, by means of its Operating System is capable of communicating with a desired OS through its RF and further capable of storing content such as phone contacts and short messages. In an embodiment, each SIM card comprises one or more connectors, which, by means of hardware coupling with connections on the SIM card slot 130, enables a SIM card to get detected and connected with the hardware components of the communication device 100, thereby enabling the device 100 to interact with respective service network.

[00044] In an aspect of the present invention, a storage device comprising one or more connectors and having a memory unit can be configured such that the storage device can be inserted into the SIM card slot 130 of mobile device 100 and take backup of any content stored in memory of the mobile device 100. In an implementation, the storage device can be of the same dimension as that of a SIM card and can be devoid of any RF capability such that when the storage device is inserted and fitted into the SIM card slot 130, the device does not connect to any service network but instead, through one or more applications installed therein, allows backup to be taken from the phone memory or restoration of content/data into the phone memory.

[00045] In an embodiment, storage device of the present invention comprises a memory unit, wherein the memory unit can be selected from one or more of volatile and non-volatile memory units. For instance, data can be stored in the memory unit of the storage device, wherein the memory unit can be selected from a group of RAM, DDR SDRAM, SRAM, T-RAM, Z-RAM,TTRAM, EPROM, PROM, Mask PROM,EEPROM, NV RAM, secure digital card, miniSD card, micro SD card, compact flash card, multimedia card, smart media card, C-Flash, USB Flash card, FISH Universal Transportable Memory Card Standard, Intelligent Stick, Micro drive, memory stick pro etc. Any other appropriate memory architecture can be selected to store backup data such as phone contacts, SMS's, video's, among any other desired content from the mobile device 100.

[00046] According to one aspect of the invention, SIM card slot 130 comprises a base that is mounted on the cover of a communication device 100 and is accessible through battery compartment, which is located inside the communication device 100. SIM card slot 130 can include connectors or suitable hardware connections for providing electrical connections that link the storage device to the printed circuit board of the communication device 100. Connectors can include contacts on the storage device for holding on to the location where contact is made with pads on the storage device and terminals extending from a support bar. SIM card slot 130 can be mounted in the cover with terminals disposed for connection with the printed circuit board when the front and covers of the communication device 100 are assembled.

[00047] According to one aspect of the invention, base of the communication device 100 includes a slot in which storage device is insertable on an inserting axis. An ejector can be disposed on the base for reciprocal sliding movement on the inserting axis and includes a knob or button that extends through the slot in the cover for manipulation of the ejector by the user. When the storage device is inserted in SIM card slot 130, the storage device moves the ejector to a rear position. The ejector may be moved by manipulation of the knob towards the front of the slot to push the storage device outward for removal from the SIM card slot 130.

[00048] According to one aspect of the invention, storage device and SIM card slot 130 include a means for ensuring that the storage device is inserted in correct orientation. In an implementation, storage device can include a single chamfered comer, and ejector can include a mating angled wall portion. In correct orientation, the chamfered comer abuts the angled wall of the ejector, wherein if the storage device is not inserted in this orientation, the angled wall prevents the device from being fully inserted in the SIM card slot 130 so that one or more connectors of the storage device do not contact the hardware connections of the SIM card slot 130 or the storage device extends out from the slot 130.

[00049] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary and high level architecure 200 of a mobile communication device. According to one embodiment in FIG. 2, architecture 200 comprises an input means 210, a display means 220, a processing means 230, a communication device memory 240, a power means 250, and a storage device 260. Architecture 200 of the present invention can further include a hardware circuitry configured on a printed circuit board, wherein the hardware circuitry provides for a number of slots in which multiple hardware components can be configured.

[00050] In an embodiment, input means 210 is configured to enable input of characters by a user, whereas the display means 220 is configured to display one or more menus, content, or input given by the user. Power 250 for the communication device 200 can be enabled through a battery, wherein the battery itself can be configured on an appropriate slot present in the communication device 200. In an embodiment, processing means 230 can be carried out by a suitable processor that executes one or more instructions present either in the OS of the mobile communication device or of hardware components such as the SIM cards. Communication device memory 240, interchangeably also referred to as phone memory 240 hereinafter, is configured to store one or more of phone contacts across one or more phone books, one or more messages across message inboxes, videos, photos, audios, files, documents, among other such content.

[00051] In an embodiment, storage device 260 can be mounted on the printed circuit board, wherein an appropriate slot on the board accommodates the storage device 260 and enables transfers the data to and from the phone memory 240 through processing means 230 such as the central processing unit (CPU). In an implementation, the storage device 260 includes one or more connectors for connecting to devices 200 such as mobile phones, PDA's, smart phones, among other such devices in which the storage device 260 can be configured within the SIM card slot of the devices 200. [00052] In an embodiment, storage device 260, upon insertion in SIM slot of communication device 200, automatically or manually (after instructions from the user) copies, transfers, or restores data from/to phone memory 240. In an implementation, storage device 260, once inserted into SIM slot of communication device 200, can be automatically or manually detected and initiates copying, transferring, or restoration of data from phone memory 240. In an embodiment, in a dual-SIM card based communication device, original SIM card with RF capability can be kept intact in one of the slots whereas the storage device 260 having no RF or network connection capability can be inserted into the second slot and then used for taking backup not only from the phone memory 240 but also from the memory of the SIM card positioned in the first slot. Alternatively, in a single SIM slot based communication devices, content from the original SIM card can first be copied into phone memory 240 and then the original SIM card can be replaced by the storage device 260 that is inserted into its slot, to take or restore content from/to the phone memory 240.

[00053] According to one embodiment, storage device 260 of the present invention does not include a Radio Frequency transceiver to initiate any communication with any mobile communication network. For instance, the storage device 260 does not include any subscriber identity module, IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), or ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID). Absence of RF transceiver makes it impossible for the storage device 260 to communicate with mobile communication network, unlike conventional SIM cards for GSM enabled communication devices or USIM card for the CDMA enabled communication devices, which have RF transceivers to facilitate communication with one or more mobile communication networks.

[00054] According to one embodiment, physical structure of storage device 260 of the present invention can be such that the storage device 260 is insertable into the SIM slot of any communication device. For instance, storage device 260 of the present invention can be inserted in SIM slot of any GSM; CDMA enabled communication device, personal data assistant, a wireless media device, digital cable set-top box, a wireless e-mail device, Wi-Fi Phone and Wi-Max Phone. Most of the existing storage devices can only be inserted in a separate memory card slot of a mobile communication device, thereby requiring a completely separate memory card slot, and hence making the physical structure of the proposed storage device 260 very efficient for usage along all types of communication devices 200, which have a SIM slot.

[00055] Figure 3 illustrates a communication device 300 such as a mobile device 300 having a slot 310 for placement of a conventional SIM card to enable a user to connect device 300 with a service provider network to which the SIM card pertains. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, slot 310 can be configured to position a storage device 320 having same or compatible dimensions as that of the slot 310 such that the storage device 320 can be positioned and/or configured within the slot 310 and, once detected, take or restore backup content from/to the communication device 300 by means of a memory unit of the storage device 320.

[00056] Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary system 400 showing transfer and/or exchange of content between a communication device 410 and one or more phone books and/or one or more message inboxes stored in memory unit of a storage device 420. As would be appreciated, even though storage device 420 has been illustrated with respect to phone books and message inboxes, any other content such as videos, audios, documents, among others can also be stored in the storage device 420 and is clearly included within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, not only the storage device 420, even the communication device 410 can include a number of phones books and message boxes to categorize different type of content.

[00057] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, multiple phone books such as 412-1, 412-2, and 412-3, collectively referred to as phone book 412 hereinafter, can be present in storage device 420, wherein a switching means can be included within the device 420 to switch across multiple phone books 412 and access contacts details present in any desired phone book 412. For instance, one phone book 412-1 can include a contact list and details of all personal relatives and friends, second phone book 412-2 can include a list of all professional contacts, and third phone book 412-3 can include a list of all undesired contacts.

[00058] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, multiple message inboxes such as 414-1, 414-2, and 414-3, collectively referred to as message inbox 414 hereinafter, can be present in storage device 420, wherein a switching means can be included within the device 420 to switch across multiple message inboxes 414 and access messages stored in device 420. It should be appreciated that message inbox includes all messages that are sent, received, archived, or drafted.

[00059] In an implementation of the present invention, once a desired phone book 412 or desired message inbox 414 of device 420 has been selected by a switching means, contacts or messages from the phone book 412 or message inbox 414 can be transferred from the device 420 to the communication device 410 after the device 420 has been positioned in the SIM card slot of the device 410. Any other content can then be selected and copied or transferred again to the storage device 420. Similarly, if content is to be restored back from storage device 420, desired phone book 412 or message inbox 414 can first be selected and then content can be copied from the device 420 using an application built for detecting, accessing, and processing the storage device 420.

[00060] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary menu on user interface 510 of a mobile communication device 500 configured to allow copy, transfer, and other such functions relating to backup of data from and to proposed storage device. In an embodiment, as would also be described in detail with reference to Figure 6, storage device of the present invention can be configured with an operating system that allows implementation of multiple applications that can be accessed by the processor of the communication device in order to enable execution of one or more functions defined by the applications. As illustrated in Figure 5, multiple applications such as administrator configuration 520, switch to phone book 530, switch to SMS inbox 540, unblock PIN 550, copy to storage device 560, and copy to phone memory 570, among many other applications can be implemented for communications between device 510 and storage device (not shown) of the present invention.

[00061] In an embodiment, administrator configuration 520 function can be enabled at the beginning of the booting process of device 510 when the storage device is inserted into the SIM card slot of the device 510 for the first time. Administrator configuration 520 can allow multiple settings such as automatic/manual copy, number of or kind of messages to be transferred, type of content to be copied, type and number of contacts to be copied, among many other settings to be configured by the user. Such settings can then govern the manner in which the content of device 510 interacts with the storage device. Administrator configuration 520 can also be kept enabled at all times to allow continuous change in settings at any desired time.

[00062] In an embodiment, switch to phone book 530 function can be configured to allow selection of one or more phone books of device 510 so as to enable copy/transfer of content from/to the selected set of phone books. Similarly, switch to SMS inbox 540 can be configured to allow selection of one or more message inboxes of device 510 so as to enable copy/transfer of content from/to the selected set of message inboxes. As mentioned above, each of the communication device 510 and the storage device can include multiple phone books and message inboxes.

[00063] In an embodiment, Change PIN function 550 can be configured to enable a user to change his/her PIN. It should be appreciated that the abovementioned functions are completely exemplary in nature and any other desired function can be added and is completely within the scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, copy to storage device 560 allows copying of selected content from phone memory of device 510 to storage device. Similarly, copy to storage device 570, on the other hand, allows copying of selected content from storage device to phone memory of device 510 of the present invention.

[00064] Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary architecture 600 showing interaction between a storage device application 610, operating system 612 of storage device, and hardware of communication device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Storage device application 610 can be logically or physically coupled with operating system 612. In an implementation, to enable compatibility between connectors of storage device and hardware connections present in SIM card slot, operating system 612 of storage device is closely coupled with SIM card operating system, enabling smooth transition and compatibility with any mobile device that has a SIM.

[00065] In an embodiment, operating system 612 can include a memory management module 620, (an integrated services module) IS module 622, a kernel module 624, and (an application program interface) API module 626, which can be further logically or physically coupled with hardware 614 of the communication device.

[00066] In an embodiment, memory management module 620 can be configured to manage operations of memory unit of the storage device. Module 620, in an instance, can be configured to allocate memory for different files systems and provides a partition system for memory allocation within the storage device.

[00067] In an embodiment, IS module 622 can be configured to provide high- performance and security, hardware-assisted tunneling and encryption services suitable for secure communication between storage device and any other specified devices. As an integral component of the operating system solution, ISR module 622 can provide platform scalability and security while working seamlessly with all services necessary for security, quality of service (QoS), firewall and intrusion detection, service-level validation, and management.

[00068] In an embodiment, kernel module 624 can include an object file that contains code to extend a running kernel, or so-called base kernel, of an operating system. Kernel module 624 can be used to add support for new hardware and/or filesystems, or for adding system calls or for adding new application. When the functionality provided by the kernel module 624 is no longer required, it can be unloaded in order to free memory and other resources.

[00069] Although most of the existing Unix-like systems and Microsoft Windows support loadable kernel modules, they might use a different name for them such as kernel loadable module (kid) in FreeBSD and kernel extension (kext) in OS X. They are also known as Kernel Loadable Modules (or KLM), and simply as Kernel Modules (KMOD).

[00070] In an embodiment, API module 626 includes a protocol intended to be used as an interface by software components to communicate with each other. An API is a library that may include specification for routines, data structures, object classes, and variables. API specification can take many forms, including an International Standard such as POSIX, vendor documentation such as the Microsoft Windows API, the libraries of a programming language, e.g. Standard Template Library in C++ or Java API. [00071] API module 626 can differ from an application binary interface (ABI) in that an API is source code based while an ABI is a binary interface. For instance, POSIX is an API, while the Linux Standard Base is an ABI.

[00072] In an implementation, as mentioned above, operating system 612 of the present invention is developed on the lines of the existing SIM card operating systems so that compatibility can easily be obtained with all hardware components of the communication device.

[00073] According to an embodiment, hardware 614 comprises of an EEPROM module 628, a ROM module 630, a RAM module 632 and a UART/IO module 634. EEPROM module 628 can further be operatively coupled with a NVM file system 616, which can further comprise multiple phone books and inboxes. For instance, NVM file system 616 can include phone book l 636, phone book_2 638, and phone book_3 640 as well also include inbox_l 642, inbox_2 644 and inbo_x3 646. NVM file system 616 can further include a module for other files 618.

[00074] In an embodiment, EEPROM module 628 (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) can include a non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices to store small amounts of data that must be saved when power is removed, e.g., calibration tables or device configuration. EEPROMs 628 can be realized as arrays of floating-gate transistors, wherein the EEPROM 628 is user-modifiable read-only memory (ROM) that can be erased and reprogrammed (written to) repeatedly through application of higher than normal electrical voltage generated externally or internally in the case of modern EEPROMs 628. EPROM usually must be removed from the device for erasing and programming, whereas EEPROMs 628 can be programmed and erased in-circuit.

[00075] In an embodiment, ROM module 630 can include a ROM cartridge, generally also referred to as a cartridge or cart, which is a removable enclosure containing read-only memory devices designed to be connected to a consumer electronics device such as a phone, home computer or games console. ROM cartridges can be used to load software's such as video games, or other such application programs. [00076] In an embodiment, RAM module 632 allows stored data to be accessible directly in any random order. In contrast, other data storage media such as hard disks, CDs, DVDs and magnetic tape, as well as early primary memory types such as drum memory, read and write data only in a predetermined order, consecutively, because of mechanical design limitations. Therefore the time to access a given data location varies significantly depending on its physical location.

[00077] In an embodiment, Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART/IO module 634) is the basic serial I/O module. UART/IO module 634 can be a half-duplex asynchronous system that can communicate with peripheral devices such as personal computers, RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces.

[00078] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 6, one or more applications developed for functions such as copy to phone book, copy to storage device, administrator configuration, among other such functions can stored in storage device applications 610, which by means of the operating system 612, can help the processor of the communication device access the applications and implement them to execute the functions. As shown, hardware 614 of the storage device is operatively coupled with content stored in the memory of the storage device, which enables access of content to the applications 610 implemented for the storage device.

[00079] According to one embodiment, storage device of the present invention includes a data copying and transferring means for copying and transferring data from one or more phone memory units to the storage device and vice versa. This data copying and transferring means upon initiation, copies and transfers data from phone memory unit of a communication device to memory unit allocated in storage device. Storage device of the present invention further includes a data restoring means for restoring data from the storage device to one or more phone memory units of communication device. This data restoring means upon initiation restores data from the storage device to the phone memory unit. This copying and restoring means facilitates copy and restore function. The means for copying, transferring and restoring works according to set of programmed instructions stored in memory unit of storage device. [00080] According to another embodiment, storage device of the present invention can include an authentication process. The authentication process authenticates access of storage device by including a onetime password, user created password, or system created password. For instance, authentication process can include a password protection window comprising a request to enter password by a user to initiate access. The request can include an entry of a first time password, wherein the password can be a onetime password, a user created password or a system password. Upon entry of the first time password, permission is granted to access the storage device for copying, transferring and storing functions. Another embodiment of the authentication process can include a request to enter an input password by a user and compare the input password to the first time password. If the input password matches the first time password, access to the storage device is permitted else prohibited.

[00081] According to another embodiment, storage device of the present invention can be accessed directly without any authentication process. For instance, storage device can be inserted in SIM card slot of communication device and there will be no requirement of an authentication process to access the storage device 170.

[00082] According to another embodiment, storage device of the present invention is operating system independent. It can work on any kind of operating system platform. Storage device can be configured so as to be able to recognize variation in different operating systems and adjust itself and work without inhibition. For instance, storage device can easily copy messages and phone numbers from an android operating system enabled communication device; copy, transfer and restore messages or phone numbers to a Symbian operating system enabled communication device. Existing storage devices, in complete contrast, make it difficult to make content accessible across different operating systems. Storage device can further retain data up to a very long time.

[00083] Various modifications of these embodiments will readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of present disclosure, and generic method defined herein may be applied to other embodiments.

[00084] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments of the invention described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those ordinary skills in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the invention.

[00085] The above description and drawings are only illustrative of preferred embodiments which achieve the objects, features and advantages of the present invention, and it is not intended that present invention be limited thereto. Any modification of the present invention which comes within the spirit and scope of following claims is considered part of the present invention. Furthermore, to extent that the term "include", "have" or "like" is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in manner similar to the term "comprise" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in claim.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION;

[00086] The present invention provides a storage device that can automatically and/or manually copy contacts and/or messages from memory of any mobile communication device.

[00087] The present invention provides a storage device that can perform a backup and restore function on any communication device using its SIM slot.

[00088] The present invention provides a storage device with no network access.

[00089] The present invention provides a storage device that can enable data retention.

[00090] The present invention provides a storage system that is password protected.

[00091] The present invention provides a storage device that can switch across multiple phonebooks and message inboxes.

Claims

CLAIMS We Claim:

1. A storage device configured to copy and restore data from or to memory of a communication device, wherein said storage device is configured to be inserted in SIM card slot of said communication device, and wherein said storage device does not have RF capability.

2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein said storage device comprises one or more connectors for communicating with hardware of same communication device, wherein said hardware comprises circuitry present in said SIM card slot.

3. The storage device of claim 1, wherein said storage device comprises a memory unit configured to store said data, wherein said data comprises one or more of phone contacts, short messages, videos, audios, pictures, documents, and a combination thereof.

4. The storage device of claim 1, wherein said memory unit comprises a set of instructions to allow one or more of copying said data from said memory of said communication device, transfer of said data between said storage device and said communication device, restoring said data into said memory of said communication device, and change in settings relating to usage of said memory unit.

5. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein said storage device is automatically detected upon insertion in said SIM card slot.

6. The storage device of claim 1, wherein said storage device enables automatic transfer of data between said storage device and said memory of said communication device.

7. The storage device of claim 1, wherein said storage device required manual selection of desired data and transfer of said desired data between said storage device and said memory of said communication device

8. The storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein if said communication device has two SIM card slots, said storage device can transfer data to and from a SIM card configured in one of said two SIM card slots.

9. The storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication device comprises one or more of a GSM cellular phone, a CDMA cellular phone, a personal data assistant, a wireless media device, a digital cable set-top box, a Wi-Fi Phone, and a Wi-Max Phone.

10. A system of transferring content from a mobile device memory from/to a storage device, wherein said system is configured to allow said storage device to be positioned in SIM card slot of said mobile device and enable one or more of copy, transfer, and backup of said content between said storage device and said mobile device memory.

1 1. The system of claim 10, wherein said mobile device memory comprises one or more phone books and one or more message inboxes, wherein said system allows selection of at least one phone book and/or at least one message inbox and transfer of content from said selected phone book and/or message inbox to said storage device.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein said storage device comprises one or more phone books and one or more message inboxes, wherein said system allows selection of at least one phone book and/or at least one message inbox and transfer of content from said selected phone book and/or message inbox to said mobile device.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein said system enables authentication of said storage device by user of said mobile device before transfer of said content between said storage device and said mobile device memory.