BIP Server Mediates App SIM Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mobile phones to access and interact with Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards are limited, as not all mobile operators provide services for APP developers to access SIMs through their hardware architecture, and not all operating systems permit APPs to use the Bearer Independent Protocol (BIP) to access SIMs, hindering secure and efficient retrieval or updating of sensitive information like cryptocurrency keys.
Innovation Solution
A method involving binding an app to a BIP server, converting request commands to APDU format, delivering them through a mobile network, executing the commands on the SIM, and returning results, with encryption and secure communication protocols like HTTPS and AES/RSA ensuring secure data transfer between the SIM and BIP server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional SIM access methods (OTA server or STK menu) are used, then operator control and service management are maintained, but app developers cannot directly access SIM for efficient data retrieval and updating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a BIP server as an intermediary component that mediates between the app and the SIM card. The server receives requests from the app, converts them to APDU format, and communicates with the SIM card through the mobile network. This intermediary approach enables direct app-to-SIM access while maintaining protocol compatibility and operator control through the server layer.
2Reliability
If SIM is used to store confidential and high-value information like cryptocurrency keys, then security and portability are improved, but direct access to SIM for fetching or updating information becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The BIP server acts as a secure intermediary that handles all communication between the app and SIM card. It converts app requests into standardized APDU commands, manages the communication protocol, and ensures secure data transfer. This allows users to easily access their cryptocurrency keys stored on the SIM without compromising security, as all operations go through the controlled BIP server interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical SIM access methods (such as removing the SIM card or using STK menus) with an electronic/digital communication system. Apps can send requests through the mobile network to the BIP server, which then communicates with the SIM card electronically. This substitution enables seamless, programmatic access to SIM-stored data without physical manipulation.
3Productivity
If BIP protocol is used for app-to-SIM communication, then direct access and efficiency are improved, but not all operating systems permit APP to utilize BIP to access the SIM
Solution Approach 1:
The BIP server is designed with universal functionality to work across different operating systems and mobile networks. It implements a standardized interface that can handle requests from apps regardless of the underlying OS, converting them into universal APDU commands that the SIM card can execute. This multi-functional design ensures broad compatibility while maintaining efficient direct access to SIM card data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing requests from an app by a SIM in a mobile phone comprises the steps of: binding an app to a BIP server by a mobile phone; delivering a request command to the BIP server from the mobile phone; converting the request command to an APDU format, packing the converted request command in the APDU format in a request packet, and delivering the request packet to an IP of a SIM by the BIP server; receiving and unpacking the request packet to have the converted request command, and providing the converted request command to the SIM; executing the request command to have a result by the SIM; delivering the result in a response packet to the BIP server via the mobile network relayed; unpacking the response packet to fetch the result, and delivering the result to the mobile phone for the app by the BIP server.