Subscriber Identity Module Dynamic Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current subscriber identity modules (SIMs) lack flexibility in managing and switching between different sets of subscriber identity data, as they are limited to statically designed switching strategies that do not adapt to dynamic environmental and network conditions, leading to inefficient network access and service allocation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a subscriber identity module with both static and variable management functions, where static functions are integrated into the module and variable management is handled by Java application code that adapts to environmental parameters, such as network status and terminal device properties, allowing for dynamic switching and management of subscriber identity data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static management functions are used in the subscriber identity module, then the module structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to dynamic environmental and network conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to environmental parametersVSAvoidmodule structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management functions are segmented into two distinct parts: static management functions (embedded in the SIM card for reliability) and dynamic management functions (downloaded as Java applets for adaptability). This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific role without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic management capabilities by allowing management functions to be downloaded and updated remotely as Java applets. This makes the previously static SIM card management system dynamic and adaptable to changing network conditions, terminal properties, and environmental parameters while maintaining the underlying static structure for reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If static switching strategies are implemented in the subscriber identity module, then the module is reliable and easy to manufacture, but it cannot react appropriately to current environmental influences and network parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactivity to network parametersVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-installs basic static management functions in the SIM card during manufacturing, ensuring reliability and ease of manufacture. Additionally, it prepares the infrastructure for downloading dynamic Java applets that can provide adaptive switching strategies based on network parameters, thus combining manufacturing simplicity with operational adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Java applets as an intermediary layer between the static SIM card functions and the dynamic network environment. These applets act as mediators that receive network parameter information and translate it into appropriate switching decisions, enabling reactivity without complicating the core SIM card manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If all possible special features and influences are recorded within the operating system functions, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of special featuresVSAvoidoperating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts complex adaptive management logic from the operating system into separate downloadable Java applets. This extraction allows the operating system to remain relatively simple while still achieving comprehensive coverage of special features and influences through the externally downloaded management functions that can be updated without modifying the OS itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2898714B1Identity module for user authentication in a communication network
Publication Date: 2016.12.28 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT EPAYMENTS GMBH
  • EP2898714B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2898714B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2898714B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a subscriber identity module (1) for authenticating a subscriber in a communications network, the subscriber identity module (1) comprising: A first set of subscriber identity data (13a) for authenticating the subscriber; a second set of subscriber identity data (13b) for authenticating the subscriber, wherein the first set of subscriber identity data (13a) is different from the second set of subscriber identity data; and a means for managing the first and the second set of subscriber identity data (13b), wherein the managing is realized by way of management functions (8). The invention further relates to a method for managing the subscriber identity module (1), to a use of the subscriber identity module (1) in a mobile terminal device, and to a system of subscriber terminal devices (1) and a remote instance.