Adaptable chip card

Abstract

Chip card ( 5 ) capable of communicating with an external device ( 3 ) over a logical interface ( 4 ), standardized data units ( 20 ) being defined for this communication. The chip card has a ROM and an EEPROM. The functionality that is made available through the chip card when a data unit ( 20 ) is received over said logical interface ( 4 ) is determined in the EEPROM, for example through an APDU handler ( 512 ) implemented in the EEPROM.

1 . A method for adapting a chip card after its manufacture to a new standardization of the API interface, comprising the steps of: 
 adapting a module in a memory of the chip card to determine a proper functionality when said certain data unit is received; and    receiving said certain data unit over said API interface.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said module is adapted via a message received over a mobile radio network.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said message is an SMS message.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said message is a USSD message.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said message is a GPRS packet.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said message is an IP packet.