Chip Card Application for Live Parameter Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for modifying parameter data on SIM cards are complex, costly, and require physical removal and reinsertion, or use of a SIM simulator with rigid connections, making it difficult to change basic data in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Innovation Solution

A chip card or chip card application with an integrated application that allows for direct modification of parameter data within a terminal device without a card reader or flexible connection, enabling changes to be made in a live network using variable parameter data fields and an interface for data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If parameter data on SIM card is modified using card reader and physical removal, then modification capability is achieved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodification capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SIM card application performs self-modification of its own parameter data through the built-in application, eliminating the need for external card readers or physical removal. The application writes modified data directly back to the SIM card memory, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The modification function is merged into the SIM card application itself, combining the data storage and data modification capabilities in a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate external devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If SIM simulator with rigid connection is used, then modification capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodification capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SIM simulator and rigid connection are extracted from the system entirely. Instead of using an external simulator device, the patent extracts the modification capability directly into the SIM card application, eliminating unnecessary hardware complexity and reducing system costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a physical SIM simulator, the patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality within the terminal device's application layer. This virtual SIM application can be modified without requiring physical SIM card manipulation or external simulator hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If real SIM operated in parallel with simulator, then security protection is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality that includes security protection mechanisms. This virtual SIM application can operate independently without requiring a parallel real SIM, maintaining security while reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The security protection functions are segmented and integrated into the virtual SIM application itself, allowing security features to be maintained without requiring additional parallel hardware. The application handles security operations internally, eliminating the need for complex parallel SIM configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If parameter data is modified without card reader, then ease of operation improves, but data persistence and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddata persistence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The SIM card application performs self-modification and self-persistence of parameter data directly in its own memory structure. This self-service capability ensures data persistence without requiring external card readers, while maintaining reliability through the application's built-in data management mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The application prepares and validates data modifications in advance before writing to the SIM card memory. This preliminary action ensures data persistence and reliability by pre-checking data integrity and proper formatting, eliminating the need for external verification devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2675193B1Chip card, terminal having chip card and a method for modifying a chip card
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 VODAFONE GMBH
  • EP2675193B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2675193B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates in particular to a chip card (10) for use in an end device (20) which is assigned to a communication network, comprising at least one data field (11) with variable parameter data (12). In order to be able to modify parameter data stored on the chip card (10), it is provided that the chip card (10) has an application (13) which is implemented on the chip card (10) in addition to the at least one data field (11) with variable parameter data (12), that the application (13) is configured to generate and/or provide the variable parameter data (12a), and that an interface (14) is provided between the application (13) and the at least one data field (11) with variable parameter data (12).Furthermore, an end device (20) with such a chip card (10) is described, wherein the end device additionally has an input application (21) for generating parameter data for the chip card (10) and for providing the generated parameter data in the application (13) for generating and/or providing the variable parameter data (12a). A method for modifying parameter data (12) located on a chip card (10) or chip card application is also described.