Secure Partition Virtual SIM Service Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices require a physical SIM card for wireless communication, which is tied to a specific service provider and network, leading to limitations in roaming and the need for multiple SIM cards for different locations, resulting in roaming charges and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that uses a secure partition to identify and select the highest-quality mobile network based on location, provisioned SIM services, and credentials, allowing wireless communication without a physical SIM card, enabling immediate activation and multiple SIM service provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a physical SIM card is used to provide wireless communication service, then network authentication and service provision are enabled, but the device is tied to a specific service provider and home network, limiting roaming capability and requiring multiple SIM cards for different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality through software implementation. The virtual SIM card emulates the authentication and network selection capabilities of a physical SIM card, allowing the device to access multiple networks without requiring multiple physical cards. This copying approach enables roaming capability while maintaining the simplicity of a single device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual SIM card implementation provides multi-functionality by enabling the device to access multiple service providers and networks through software configuration rather than requiring separate physical SIM cards for each network. This universal access capability resolves the contradiction by providing roaming functionality without increasing physical device complexity.
2Productivity
If a physical SIM card is issued by a service provider before service activation, then secure authentication credentials are provided, but immediate service activation is not possible without physical card distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical SIM card insertion with a software-based virtual SIM card implementation. Authentication credentials are delivered and configured through software processes, eliminating the need for physical card distribution and enabling immediate service activation. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing the physical distribution bottleneck while maintaining secure authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of authentication credentials and virtual SIM card parameters before service activation is needed. By pre-configuring the virtual SIM environment and credentials through software, the system enables immediate service activation without requiring physical card distribution at the moment of activation.
3Reliability
If multiple provisioned SIM services are stored in a secure partition, then security against identity theft and denial of service attacks is enhanced, but network selection and registration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a secure partition that manages multiple provisioned SIM services. This secure environment acts as a mediator between the multiple authentication credentials and the network selection process, automatically managing which credentials to use based on network availability and service requirements. This intermediary management reduces the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining high security through isolated credential storage and automated selection logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for a secure subscriber identity module service. Communication via a mobile network is activated in response to receiving a request to activate communication service for the system by a secure partition of the system. In response to receiving the request, a key is retrieved for a permit service from storage accessible only by the secure partition. The key is included in a permit requesting to activate the communication service, and the permit is sent to a service provider for the communication service. The service provider communicates with the permit service to obtain a digital signature for the permit. The secure partition receives a signed permit from the service provider, confirms that the signed permit contains the digital signature by the permit service, and activates the communication service for the system in response to confirming that the signed permit contains the digital signature.