Software SIM Authentication Management for Flexible Service Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing users with flexible and convenient access to communication services, as they rely on physical SIM cards for contract authentication information, limiting the ability to easily switch between service providers and offer preferred services.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that determines and manages connection rights for wireless communication devices, allowing them to connect to networks based on contract authentication information, enabling flexible service provision and user preferences by using a software-downloadable SIM concept.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical SIM cards are used for storing contract authentication information, then security and reliability are improved, but flexibility and ease of switching service providers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality through software-downloadable authentication information. Instead of relying on a single physical SIM card, the system generates digital representations of authentication data that can be distributed and managed software-based, enabling flexible switching while maintaining security through encrypted delivery and controlled activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with an information-based software system. Contract authentication information is delivered digitally through download links or data streams rather than requiring physical card insertion, eliminating mechanical constraints and enabling more flexible service provisioning while maintaining authentication security
2Reliability
If physical SIM cards are used for contract authentication, then device security is improved, but ease of operation and service switching deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of authentication credentials that can be instantly distributed and activated. Users receive download links or data streams containing authentication information that can be immediately activated without physical card handling, making service switching as simple as clicking a link while maintaining security through controlled delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and securing download links or authentication data before the user needs to switch services. The authentication information is prepared in advance with embedded security measures, so when switching is needed, the user simply activates pre-prepared credentials rather than going through complex provisioning procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If software-downloadable SIM concept is implemented, then adaptability and service flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary information processing apparatus that manages the complexity of software-downloadable SIM operations. This intermediary system handles authentication information generation, secure delivery, activation, and deactivation, shielding users from complexity while enabling flexible service switching through simplified user actions like clicking download links
4Ease of operation
If contract authentication information is delivered through download links, then ease of service provisioning is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by embedding security measures directly into the download link and authentication information delivery mechanism before transmission. Security controls such as encrypted data streams, time-limited activation codes, and device-specific binding are built into the delivery process itself, preventing unauthorized access or misuse while maintaining ease of legitimate provisioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates secure copies of authentication information that are bound to specific devices or users through embedded identifiers. Each download link generates a unique, device-specific authentication copy that cannot be transferred or misused, enabling easy provisioning while mitigating security risks through cryptographic binding and controlled distribution
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an information processing apparatus including a determination unit and a control unit. The determination unit is configured to determine whether a predetermined condition for performing a communication process related to a specific service provided by a service provider between an information processing system related to the service provider and a wireless communication apparatus is satisfied. The control unit is configured to perform control when the predetermined condition is satisfied in a manner that a connection right of connecting to a predetermined network using wireless communication is set in the wireless communication apparatus, the wireless communication apparatus connects to the network based on the set connection right, and the communication process is performed with the information processing system.