NFC-Based SIM Provisioning for Wireless Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing SIM card provisioning method for wireless network access is cumbersome, requiring physical handling and is inconvenient for upgrading or reprovisioning devices, especially when different SIM card formats are involved, leading to potential loss or damage of SIM cards.

Innovation Solution

The use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provision User Equipment (UE) with Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data, allowing for contactless transfer and storage of SIM information, enabling authentication to wireless networks without the need for physical SIM cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If SIM card footprint is reduced, then device space is saved, but physical handling capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIM card footprintVSAvoidphysical handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses NFC technology to create a digital copy of SIM card credentials and transfers them wirelessly to the target device. This eliminates the need for physical SIM card handling while preserving all authentication functions, effectively resolving the contradiction between reducing SIM card footprint and maintaining physical handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card insertion and removal with an electromagnetic field-based NFC communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and manual handling operations, allowing SIM credentials to be transferred contactlessly while maintaining device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If SIM card is physically removed for device upgrade, then device compatibility is improved, but additional steps and inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidprovisioning convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs SIM credential provisioning in advance through NFC communication before device upgrades or carrier changes are needed. By pre-configuring the target device with necessary authentication credentials, the system eliminates the need for physical SIM card removal and reinsertion during device upgrades, significantly reducing provisioning steps and user inconvenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If SIM card is removed and reinserted for reprovisioning, then network access is updated, but risk of loss or damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access updateVSAvoidSIM card safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates and transfers digital copies of SIM credentials through NFC communication, eliminating the need to physically remove, handle, and reinsert the original SIM card. This copying approach maintains network access update functionality while completely eliminating the risks associated with physical SIM card handling, such as loss, damage, or contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces NFC technology as an intermediary mechanism that enables credential transfer without direct physical contact with the SIM card. This intermediary system allows network access updates to be performed wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual SIM card removal and reinsertion, thereby preventing loss or damage while achieving the same network provisioning goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method simplifies the provisioning process by eliminating the need for physical handling of SIM cards, allowing for seamless transfer and storage of SIM data, enhancing convenience and reducing the risk of loss or damage, while enabling legacy devices without NFC circuitry to utilize NFC-based procedures.

Implementation Method 1

initiating a Near Field Communication (NFC) link between an NFC device and the user equipment (UE)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9002267B2Near field communications-based soft subscriber identity module

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

Using Near Field Communications (NFC) to provision a User Equipment (UE) with Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data for accessing a wireless services provider's network. An NFC gesture initiates an NFC link between an NFC device and a UE containing NFC circuitry. The NFC link is used to transmit SIM data stored in a memory of the NFC device to the UE. The SIM data is received by the UE and stored in a memory of a SIM module in the UE. Thereafter, the SIM data is used to access the wireless network and obtain communication services therefrom.