Handheld Computer SIM Card Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for communicating with a mobile network using a hand-held device are complex and prone to damage, particularly due to the sensitivity of SIM cards, which are required for user identification and billing purposes, making it difficult to manage multiple devices and ensuring secure access.
Innovation Solution
A method where at least a part of the data set is manually entered via an input means at the beginning of communication with the mobile network, eliminating the need for a SIM card, allowing multiple devices to be identified and used by different users without physical SIM card exchange, and ensuring secure access through sequential entry and storage of identification data within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a SIM card is installed in the hand-held computer for user identification, then clear identification of the user in the mobile network is achieved, but the installation becomes very complex and the SIM card is sensitive to external influences leading to destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the physical SIM card and implements it through software-based identification data stored in the hand-held computer's memory. The identification data includes a mobile station identification number and authentication information, allowing the device to identify itself in the mobile network without requiring a physical SIM card insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the SIM card's identification capability by storing identification data (MSISDN, authentication information) in the hand-held computer's memory. This digital copy performs the same identification function as a physical SIM card but without the fragility and installation complexity of the physical card.
2Reliability
If a SIM card is used for user identification, then secure access to user data is ensured, but the method becomes complex and requires physical handling of sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card insertion/removal system with an electronic/software-based identification system. The hand-held computer stores identification data in its memory and uses this data for network authentication, eliminating the need for physical SIM card handling while maintaining security through cryptographic authentication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held computer's memory and processing capabilities are used to perform multiple functions: storing identification data, conducting authentication with the mobile network, and managing user data access. This eliminates the need for a separate SIM card component while achieving the same security and identification goals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hand-held computers need to be used by different users, then device versatility is improved, but SIM card management becomes complex requiring physical exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user-specific identification data from the physical SIM card and stores it electronically in the hand-held computer. This allows different users to have their identification data stored in the same device, enabling multi-user capability without requiring physical SIM card exchanges. Each user's data can be loaded or activated through software operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves constructing a communication link (60) to a mobile radio network (50) by a communication unit (11). A data set (20) of a handheld computer (10) is transmitted to the mobile radio network over the communication link. The data set is provided for identification of the handheld computer in the mobile radio network. A section of the data set is entered at beginning of a communication of the handheld computer with the mobile radio network through an input unit (12). Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a handheld computer for communicating with a mobile radio network; and (2) a system with a handheld computer and a mobile radio network.