Reconfigurable SIM Remote Provisioning for Operator Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of embedded SIM devices face difficulties in switching between mobile network operators due to inaccessible SIMs, which hinders competition and user convenience in mobile data access.

Innovation Solution

A mobile data communications system with a reconfigurable user identification module and an account control server that allows users to securely store and manage mobile identities and payment details centrally, enabling seamless switching between mobile networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the SIM is embedded in the device to provide mobile data communication, then the device can access mobile networks, but the user cannot switch between different mobile network operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork operator switching capabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility to SIM

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote provisioning server as an intermediary between the user and the embedded SIM. This server enables users to remotely provision and switch between different mobile network operators without physical access to the SIM, resolving the contradiction by mediating the operator switching process through remote communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the embedded SIM with multiple operator profiles and authentication data during manufacturing or initial setup. This allows users to switch operators remotely without needing physical SIM replacement, as the necessary credentials are already in place and activated through the remote provisioning server.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the SIM is made inaccessible to users, then device security is improved, but users cannot change network subscriptions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIM securityVSAvoidnetwork subscription flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The remote provisioning server acts as a secure intermediary that communicates with the embedded SIM through standardized protocols (such as ETSI TS 102 225). This maintains SIM security by keeping the physical SIM inaccessible while enabling operator switching through authenticated remote commands, thus preserving both security and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card insertion/removal system with a remote provisioning mechanism. Instead of physically accessing the SIM to change operators, users interact with a server that remotely updates the SIM's network configuration, eliminating the need for physical access while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If personal data is stored centrally to enable operator switching, then user convenience is improved, but data security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata management convenienceVSAvoiddata security vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The remote provisioning server serves as a secure intermediary that handles personal data temporarily during the switching process. It uses standardized security protocols (ETSI TS 102 225) to communicate with both the user device and the embedded SIM, ensuring that data is transmitted and processed securely rather than stored permanently in a vulnerable location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary security setup during device manufacturing, where the embedded SIM is pre-configured with authentication mechanisms and security protocols. This preliminary configuration ensures that any subsequent remote data processing or operator switching operations occur within established security frameworks, reducing vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9179294B2Mobile communications

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A mobile data communications system that includes a mobile device having a reconfigurable user identification module that stores a mobile identity and provides mobile data communication via a mobile network, subject to the mobile identity being registered with the mobile network, and an account control server that includes memory to store identification and payment details for a user of the mobile device and a mobile identity provider to provide a mobile identity to the mobile device and to an authorization server of a mobile network. In response to a request by a user of the mobile device to obtain data access by a particular mobile network, the account control server provides a mobile identity to the mobile device for storage by the user identification module, provides the same mobile identity to the authorization server of that mobile network, and provides user identification and payment details to that mobile network.