Dynamic Virtual SIM Profile Provisioning for Dual-SIM Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of dual-SIM wireless devices face limitations in managing multiple SIM cards, including high roaming fees, inconvenience in accessing different service providers, and difficulties in switching between SIMs, especially when traveling, due to the limitations of traditional SIM cards and the need for multiple phone numbers and data access across multiple SIMs.
Innovation Solution
The system enables dynamic provisioning of a new SIM profile for a virtual SIM (VSIM) on a multi-SIM wireless device, using a combination of a physical UICC and an embedded UICC or software implementation, allowing for remote credential management and selection of the most suitable SIM profile based on user preferences, network conditions, and cost considerations, with secure tunneling and authentication processes for improved service acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users install local SIM cards in dual-SIM devices while traveling, then they can access local service providers and reduce communication costs, but they are limited by the maximum number of UICCs supported by the device and face inconvenience in managing multiple SIMs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a remote SIM card (VSIM) that replicates the functionality of a physical SIM card. This virtual SIM profile contains all necessary authentication credentials and can be installed on the device without requiring the physical SIM card to be present, thereby reducing the need to physically manage multiple SIM cards while maintaining access to multiple service providers
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables a single physical SIM card to serve multiple purposes by allowing the creation of virtual SIM profiles that can be dynamically activated. The device can switch between the physical SIM and multiple virtual SIM profiles depending on location and service needs, making one physical SIM card universal for accessing multiple network operators both locally and internationally
2Ease of operation
If users use roaming service from home network operator without additional SIMs, then they maintain a single number and data access, but they are charged very high fees for such service
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual SIM profile that copies the authentication credentials of a local SIM card from a remote location. This allows users to access local service providers abroad without using their home network's expensive roaming service, thereby significantly reducing communication costs while maintaining ease of access through a unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a SIM server as an intermediary that manages the creation and distribution of virtual SIM profiles. This intermediary enables users to obtain local service credentials remotely without physically obtaining a local SIM card, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive roaming services while maintaining single-number access
3Adaptability or versatility
If users manually switch between SIM cards for different services, then they can access different service providers, but they face inconvenience and time loss in decision-making and switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic SIM profile selection based on the device's current location and user-defined preferences. When the device detects that it has entered a new geographic area or roaming zone, the system automatically activates the appropriate virtual SIM profile without requiring user intervention, thereby eliminating manual switching time while maintaining access to optimal service providers
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the device's location and network conditions, and automatically adjusts SIM profile activation based on this feedback. The system can detect when the device enters or exits roaming areas and dynamically switch between home and local SIM profiles, providing adaptive service selection that saves time and optimizes service quality
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for dynamic VSIM provisioning on a multi-SIM wireless device having a first SIM as a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) and a virtual SIM (VSIM). A provisioning server may receive updated information from the wireless device, and based at least partially on the received information, determine whether the SIM profile on the VSIM of the wireless device should be changed. To change the SIM profile, the provisioning server may determine whether remote credential management procedures are enabled. If so, the provisioning server may select a new SIM profile from a plurality of SIM profiles, and provision the new SIM profile in the VSIM using remote credential management procedures. If remote credential management procedures are unavailable, the provisioning server may select a remote SIM from a plurality of remote SIMs associated with the provisioning server, and run the remote SIM to execute authentication processes for the wireless device.