USIM Authentication Sharing for Unregistered Wireless Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience and cost-inefficiency in managing multiple USIM cards for various wireless broadband communication devices, leading to issues with billing, security, and the need for separate authentication for each device, especially for infrequently used devices like cameras and MP3 players.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for sharing authentication information from a registered wireless broadband terminal with unregistered consumer electronic devices, allowing temporary access to wireless communication networks using encrypted logical connections, thereby eliminating the need for separate USIM cards in each device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each wireless broadband device is assigned a separate USIM card for authentication, then each device can independently access the wireless network, but the user experiences inconvenience in managing multiple cards and receives multiple billing notices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of managing authentication devicesVSAvoidnumber of USIM cards to manage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the authentication function across multiple devices by allowing a single registered terminal (e.g., smartphone) to share its USIM card authentication information with unregistered terminals (e.g., cameras, MP3 players). This consolidation eliminates the need for separate USIM cards in each device, reducing management complexity while maintaining independent network access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The registered terminal serves multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device and an authentication authority for other devices. The system enables one USIM card to universally authenticate multiple different types of wireless broadband devices, making the authentication system multi-functional rather than device-specific.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a USIM card is assigned to each device, then authentication is secure and independent, but billing management becomes complex when multiple devices are misplaced or lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidbilling management convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay terminal (registered terminal) as an intermediary between the USIM card and unregistered terminals. The relay terminal holds the authentication information and controls its sharing with other devices. This intermediary structure maintains security by centralizing authentication while simplifying billing management, as the relay terminal can control which devices access the network and track their usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate USIM cards are provided for each device, then each device has dedicated authentication, but the cost-effectiveness decreases due to purchasing multiple authentication devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of authentication devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple authentication devices into a single shared authentication resource. Instead of requiring separate USIM cards for each device, the system allows multiple devices to share one authentication card through the relay terminal, reducing the total quantity of authentication devices needed while maintaining adaptability across different device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a logical copy of the authentication information that can be shared with multiple devices. Rather than physically duplicating USIM cards, the authentication information is copied and distributed to unregistered terminals through the relay terminal, enabling multiple devices to use the same authentication resource.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If authentication information is shared between registered and unregistered terminals, then user convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases due to encryption and management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay terminal acts as a secure intermediary that handles the complexity of authentication information sharing. It encrypts and manages the USIM card information, controlling when and how it is shared with unregistered terminals. This intermediary approach simplifies user interaction while containing the system complexity within the relay terminal's management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8892071B2System for managing unregistered terminals with shared authentication information and method thereof

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are a system and method for managing unregistered devices with authentication information sharing. The method includes receiving an authentication information duplication request from the unregistered device by the registered device, obtaining authentication information from a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) by the registered device when the registered device receives the authentication information duplication request, and transmitting the obtained authentication information to the unregistered device by the registered device.