Per-App eSIM Provisioning for Mobile Network Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with eSIMs are limited to a single Mobile Network Operator (MNO) configuration, leading to inefficient utilization of wireless services, as all software applications share the same connectivity, often resulting in excessive or insufficient usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a collection of electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) on a mobile device, allowing each software application to be associated with a different eSIM, enabling granular access to wireless services based on individual application needs, such as bandwidth, data allotment, and security requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device includes a physical SIM card slot and tray, then the device can store and switch between multiple subscriber identity modules, but the device size increases and user operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual copy of the SIM card interface implemented through software. The virtual SIM card application replicates the functionality of a physical SIM card, allowing users to store and switch between multiple subscriber identity modules without requiring physical SIM card slots or trays. This software-based copy eliminates the need for mechanical components while maintaining the ability to manage multiple SIM profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential functionality of the SIM card (subscriber identity storage and management) from its physical form and separates it from the device hardware. By taking out the SIM card's core function and implementing it as a standalone virtual application, the system eliminates the need for physical SIM card slots, trays, and associated mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device includes a SIM card tray and slot, then the device can accommodate physical SIM cards, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional manual steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card interface that can be accessed and managed entirely through software. Users can insert, remove, and switch between SIM profiles by interacting with the virtual SIM card application on the touchscreen, eliminating the need to manually manipulate physical SIM card trays and slots. This software-based approach significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining SIM functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card insertion and tray manipulation with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of requiring users to physically open trays, insert cards, and close compartments, the system uses digital interfaces and software commands to achieve the same SIM card management functions, thereby eliminating mechanical operations and improving user ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device includes multiple physical SIM card slots, then the device can store multiple subscriber identity modules, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies of SIM cards stored in the device's memory or storage system. Multiple subscriber identity modules can be stored as digital files or data structures within the existing device memory, eliminating the need for additional physical SIM card slots. This approach maintains the ability to store multiple SIM profiles while utilizing already-present storage capacity, thereby avoiding any increase in device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the device's existing storage memory serve multiple functions: it stores not only the operating system and applications but also multiple virtual SIM card profiles. By making the storage system universal and multi-functional, the device can accommodate multiple subscriber identity modules without requiring dedicated physical SIM card slots, thereby avoiding any increase in device volume.
Data Source
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AI summary
Representative embodiments enable a software application to access wireless services provided by a mobile network operator (MNO). According to some embodiments, a method can be implemented at a mobile device, and include (1) receiving, from a software application management entity, an installation package that includes: (i) first information for installing a software application, and (ii) second information for an electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) to be utilized by the software application to access the wireless services provided by the MNO, (2) utilizing the first information to install the software application on the mobile device, and (3) in response to receiving a request to launch the software application, causing the software application to execute on the mobile device, where: (i) the software application utilizes the eSIM to access wireless services provided by the MNO, and (ii) the wireless services are restricted in accordance with parameters associated with the eSIM.