Proxy SIM Card Accessing Multiple Credentials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with multiple wireless devices face inconvenience in managing multiple SIM cards for network access, as each device typically supports only one SIM card, requiring manual switching or multiple SIM card slots, which is costly and impractical for traditional single SIM devices.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a proxy SIM card that acts as a physical module identical to conventional SIM cards, allowing multiple SIM credentials to be accessed through a secondary device connected to a primary device via a communication network, enabling seamless switching and management without the need for additional hardware slots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device supports only one SIM card slot, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the user cannot access multiple SIM credentials simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to multiple SIM credentialsVSAvoidhardware structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy SIM card as an intermediary component that mediates between the device and multiple actual SIM cards. The proxy SIM card contains a communication interface that can establish wireless connections (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to retrieve credentials from remote SIM cards, allowing the device to access multiple SIM credentials through a single physical slot without adding hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The proxy SIM card creates a virtual copy or representation of multiple SIM cards within a single physical card. It stores or accesses credential data that mimics the functionality of multiple actual SIM cards, allowing the device to switch between different network identities without physically swapping cards or adding multiple slots

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SIM card slots are added to support dual-SIM functionality, then users can access multiple networks simultaneously, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual-SIM functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy SIM card is designed as a universal solution that can provide access to multiple SIM credentials through a single interface. It implements multiple functions (storing credentials, managing connections, switching between SIMs) within one component, eliminating the need for multiple physical slots and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining dual-SIM functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual SIM card switching is required, then device hardware remains simple, but user convenience and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM switching convenienceVSAvoidtime for SIM switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic SIM selection and credential retrieval through the proxy SIM card. The device can automatically establish wireless connections to fetch credentials from remote SIM cards based on predefined rules or user preferences, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the time required to switch between SIMs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The proxy SIM card pre-establishes communication channels and retrieves credentials from remote SIM cards in advance. By maintaining ready-access credential data through pre-configured wireless connections, the system enables instant switching between SIMs without requiring users to physically swap cards or wait for credential retrieval

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2737738B1Method and apparatus for accessing multiple SIM credentials by way of a proxy SIM card
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2737738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2737738B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2737738B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An approach is provided for accessing multiple SIM credentials by way of a proxy SIM card. The approach involves determining an interface request directed to one or more proxy subscriber identity modules associated with a device. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, an establishment of a communication connection between the one or more proxy subscriber identity modules and one or more primary subscriber identity modules to cause, at least in part, a transfer of information responsive to the interface request from the one or more primary subscriber identity modules to the one or more proxy subscriber identity modules. The approach also involves determining to convey the information to the device via the one or more proxy subscriber identity modules.