USB-Based USIM Device for Cross-Device Service Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded SIM or USIM cards in laptops limit service portability across multiple devices and restrict users from easily bundling Wi-Fi and cellular services without additional external readers.
Innovation Solution
A USB-based Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) hosting a USIM or SIM application, which provides a universal external USB interface, allowing users to access SIM or USIM functionalities through a USB port, enabling portability across different devices and services without being tied to a specific provider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SIM or USIM cards are embedded within laptops during manufacturing, then cellular services can be obtained, but service portability across multiple devices is severely limited and users cannot easily access the SIM/USIM functions
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM/USIM card is extracted from the embedded state and placed in an external USB-based form factor. This allows the SIM card to be removed from the device and used independently across multiple devices, solving both the portability issue and the accessibility issue since users can now physically handle and move the SIM card themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The USB-based SIM device can interface with multiple types of devices (laptops, PDAs, mobile phones) through the universal USB standard. This multi-functional approach allows a single SIM card to serve multiple devices without being tied to a specific device type or manufacturer, enhancing both portability and accessibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If a PC card with SIM or USIM slot is used to obtain cellular services, then cellular service is available, but the factory-installed integrated wide-area wireless interface is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The USB-based SIM device acts as an intermediary between the user's SIM card and the computing device. Instead of requiring a dedicated PC card slot or integrated SIM reader, the USB interface serves as a universal mediator that connects the SIM card to the device's existing USB infrastructure, avoiding the need for additional specialized hardware slots
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the SIM card functionality with a USB interface in a single integrated device. This merging eliminates the need for separate PC card slots and dedicated SIM readers, reducing device complexity by utilizing the existing USB infrastructure already present in most computing devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional external readers are used to enable SIM or USIM payment for hotspot services, then cellular services can be bundled with Wi-Fi, but device complexity increases and integration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The USB-based SIM device provides universal access to cellular services that can be bundled with Wi-Fi hotspot functionality. By using the standard USB interface, it enables service bundling without requiring device-specific external readers, allowing users to pay for hotspot services through their existing SIM card across different devices and service providers
Data Source
AI summary
A USB based USIM or SIM device is disclosed. For example, the device comprises a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) module, a SIM to Universal Serial Bus (USB) conversion module coupled to said SIM module, and a USB interface module coupled to said SIM to USB conversion module for engaging a computing device.