Multi-Identity SIM Card Activation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile radio terminal SIM card systems limit users to a single identity, requiring card exchange or additional devices for separate billing and identity management, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A chip card with an activation mechanism that allows quick switching between identities, enabling separate billing and data storage, and allowing the same terminal and card to be used by multiple users with different identities, managed through a mobile radio network server and controlled by a switch or key combination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile radio subscriber uses a single SIM card with one identity, then the device complexity is low and operation is simple, but the adaptability is limited and separate billing cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentity management capabilityVSAvoidcard exchange requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SIM card is divided into multiple independent identity areas, each capable of storing a complete set of subscriber identification data (IMSI, Ki, etc.). The activation mechanism selectively activates one identity area at a time, allowing multiple identities to coexist on a single card without increasing physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An activation mechanism is introduced that can dynamically switch between different identity areas on the SIM card. This mechanism includes activation data stored in the card and activation commands processed by the terminal, enabling flexible switching between identities without physical card changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SIM cards are used for multiple identities, then separate billing and data storage are achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to card exchange requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparate billing capabilityVSAvoidcard exchange process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching function is extracted from the physical card exchange process and implemented as an electronic activation mechanism within the SIM card and terminal. This separates the identity switching function from the physical card replacement operation, allowing logical switching without physical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An activation mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and multiple identities. The mechanism includes activation data on the card and activation commands in the terminal, mediating the switching process electronically rather than requiring physical card exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile phone terminal is opened to exchange chip cards, then identity switching is achieved, but the loss of time increases due to battery removal and physical manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentity switching capabilityVSAvoidcard exchange time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple identities are pre-loaded onto a single SIM card in separate identity areas during card manufacturing or provisioning. The activation mechanism is pre-configured with the ability to switch between these pre-stored identities, eliminating the need for physical card exchange when identity switching is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical card exchange process (opening terminal, removing battery, extracting SIM, inserting new SIM) is replaced by an electronic activation process. The terminal sends activation commands electronically, and the SIM card responds by switching its active identity area, completely eliminating mechanical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a single identity is stored on the SIM card, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability for multiple users and billing scenarios is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-user supportVSAvoidmemory area requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple complete identity sets are nested within the single SIM card structure. Each identity area contains a complete set of subscriber data (IMSI, authentication keys, etc.), with these nested identity areas organized hierarchically within the card's memory architecture, managed by the activation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP1860595B1Chip card with at least two identities

Publication Date: 2012.12.19 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH

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Figure 2

AI summary

The chip card (12) has an identity or identification information (24a, 24b) of mobile subscriber, stored in a protected memory (24, 26) of a data memory (18). Another identity or identification information of mobile subscriber is stored in the data memory of the chip card, which is activated in addition to the former active identity or identification information. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a mobile network device particularly according to global system for mobile communications (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System standards, where a mobile device identify and authenticates itself by chip card in a mobile network (2) a mobile device for a mobile network particularly according to GSM and UMTS standards (3) a method for the identification and authentication of a mobile subscriber in a mobile network.