eSIM-Based Multi-User Payment System for Shared Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SIM/USIM card systems are inflexible, requiring a single user registration, making it difficult for multiple users to separately pay for shared vehicle services like car-sharing and car-hailing, as there is no method to evenly distribute expenses among users.
Innovation Solution
A multiple authentication and payment system using embedded Subscriber Identification Modules (eSIMs) that allows for software-based authentication and payment processing, enabling multiple users to register and pay for services without physically changing SIMs, with a controller managing eSIM registration, authentication, and cost calculation for each passenger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single SIM/USIM card is used for vehicle authentication, then the system structure is simple, but multiple users cannot separately pay for services and customize their own paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single SIM authentication function into multiple virtual SIMs (eSIMs) that can be independently managed. Each user can have their own eSIM profile stored in the vehicle's authentication module, allowing separate authentication and payment tracking for each user without requiring multiple physical SIM cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual copies of SIM functionality through software-based eSIM profiles. Instead of physically replacing SIM cards, the system creates virtual copies that can be loaded and switched between users, enabling multiple users to share a single physical SIM slot while maintaining separate authentication identities.
2Ease of operation
If physical SIM cards are used for each user, then each user can be separately authenticated, but the system becomes complex and requires physical SIM card management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card insertion and switching mechanism with a software-based eSIM system. The authentication module can load and switch between multiple eSIM profiles through software commands, eliminating the need for physical SIM card handling while maintaining separate user authentication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal authentication module that can handle multiple SIM profiles (both physical and virtual) through a single interface. This multi-functional module can authenticate different users, manage eSIM profiles, and process payments without requiring separate physical SIM cards for each user, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If one user pays the entire expense and is reimbursed by fellow passengers, then the payment system remains simple, but it is inconvenient for multiple users to separately pay for services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a payment tracking system that continuously monitors and records which user's eSIM is active and which services are consumed. The system provides feedback to both the service provider and users about payment responsibilities, enabling automatic calculation and distribution of costs based on actual usage patterns without requiring manual reimbursement tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to automatically manage payment distribution without requiring manual intervention from users. The authentication module tracks which user's eSIM is used for each service, and the payment system automatically calculates and processes separate payments for each user based on their individual usage, eliminating the need for users to manually track and reimburse each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple authentication and payment system and method using an embedded subscriber identification module (eSIM) are provided, in which one or more users integrate SIMs through software and perform SIM authentication and payment without physically changing SIMs when an eSIM is installed within a vehicle. The method includes detecting whether each smart device carried by at least one passenger contains a pre-registered eSIM and monitoring whether electronic payment occurs. When electronic payment occurs, a payment cost is determined for each passenger with respect to a payment cost of the electronic payment based on information regarding the pre-registered eSIM, and payment is performed according to the determined payment cost for each passenger.