Virtual eUICC Biometric Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current use of physical SIM cards in IoT devices is cumbersome and costly, requiring integration of wireless modules and selection of mobile network operators, which increases manufacturing complexity and costs, and limits the ability to dynamically switch networks for optimal communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual reprogrammable universal integrated circuit chip (eUICC) within a connected device's operating system, allowing for software-based SIM emulation on an application processor, enabling secure communication with multiple cellular networks using biometric information for security and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical SIM cards are integrated into IoT devices, then cellular network connectivity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase due to integration of wireless modules and selection of mobile network operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality through software emulation in the application processor. The virtual SIM card replicates all essential SIM operations including authentication, network registration, and profile management without requiring physical hardware integration. This copying approach eliminates the need for separate wireless modules and SIM card slots, directly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connectivity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the SIM card functionality with the application processor by implementing a virtual machine environment within the processor. This consolidation integrates previously separate components (SIM card hardware, wireless module, and processor) into a unified system, simplifying the device architecture and reducing the number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured and assembled
2Reliability
If physical SIM cards are integrated into IoT devices, then cellular network connectivity is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to integration requirements and operator selection
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a software-based virtual SIM card that copies the functionality of physical SIM cards, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture, stock, and integrate physical SIM card hardware. This virtualization approach removes material costs associated with SIM card production and reduces assembly costs, directly addressing manufacturing cost reduction while preserving connectivity functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential SIM card functionality from its physical hardware form and isolates it as a software component running in a virtual machine. This extraction separates the critical authentication and network management functions from the physical SIM card hardware, allowing the device to be manufactured without SIM card integration while maintaining full cellular connectivity capability
3Reliability
If physical SIM cards are used in IoT devices, then network connectivity is established, but the ability to dynamically switch networks for optimal communication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network switching capability through the virtual SIM card system, which can load and activate different network profiles software-based. Unlike fixed physical SIM cards, the virtual implementation allows real-time switching between multiple mobile network operators and network types (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) based on signal quality, cost, and performance requirements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliable connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual SIM card system provides universal access to multiple network operators and network technologies through a single software platform. The system can emulate different SIM card profiles and authenticate with various network providers, making the device compatible with multiple networks simultaneously and enabling flexible switching to optimize communication based on changing conditions
4Reliability
If virtual eUICC is implemented with biometric information, then security is enhanced, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted execution environment (TEE) as an intermediary layer between the biometric authentication system and the virtual SIM card configuration. The TEE securely handles biometric data processing and verification, managing the complexity of security configuration while providing simplified interfaces for users. This intermediary approach enhances security through hardware-backed cryptographic operations without exposing the underlying complexity to end users
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are provided for securely configuring a Java Card virtual machine operating on a cellular device's application processor. In one embodiment, a connected device with an integrated cellular modem, a virtual universal integrated circuit chip and an integrated fingerprint scanner are used. In another embodiment, the cellular device's built-in camera is used, instead of an integrated fingerprint scanner, to capture the user's facial image.