Virtual SIM System for Automatic Service Contract Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face challenges in easily switching between different wireless communication service providers and managing provisioning data, particularly when traveling or needing optimal service features, due to the limitations of physical SIM cards, which require constant replacement and management.
Innovation Solution
A virtual SIM (VSIM) system that stores provisioning data within the mobile device's internal memory, allowing users to selectively enable and disable service contracts based on user-defined profiles according to location, usage, and time, eliminating the need for physical SIM card changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are used to access different service providers, then access to multiple communication networks is enabled, but the user must constantly replace SIM cards which increases operational complexity and loss of personal data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality within the mobile device's internal memory. Instead of using physical SIM cards, the system stores provisioning data and service contract information in a virtualized format, allowing multiple service provider profiles to coexist digitally without requiring physical card changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple service provider profiles and provisioning data into a single integrated virtual SIM system within the mobile device. This merging allows users to access multiple communication networks through one unified interface rather than managing separate physical SIM cards for each provider.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are replaced with pre-paid local SIM cards while traveling, then access to local wireless networks is enabled, but personal data stored on the original SIM card becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SIM card functionality into two separate components: personal data storage and service provisioning information. Personal data (contacts, messages, photos) is stored in the mobile device's internal memory or cloud, while service provisioning data is stored separately in the virtual SIM system, allowing independent access to each without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual SIM system as an intermediary layer between the user's personal data and the service provider networks. This intermediary allows users to switch service providers while maintaining continuous access to personal data through the virtualization layer, which manages data persistence across different service contracts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-paid SIM cards are carried for different regions, then access to various communication networks is enabled, but the complexity of managing and tracking which SIM card to use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual SIM system that can store and manage multiple service provider profiles from different regions within a single digital environment. This multi-functional system allows users to access various communication networks globally without carrying multiple physical SIM cards, as the virtual system automatically manages different regional profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated service selection within the virtual SIM system, where the system itself manages and tracks different service provider profiles based on user-defined criteria such as location, time, and usage patterns. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually track which SIM card to use for which region.
4Ease of operation
If users manually switch between service contracts, then control over service selection is maintained, but time and effort are lost in the switching process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to pre-configure service selection criteria and rules in advance within the virtual SIM system. Users can define parameters such as geographic location, time of day, network usage patterns, and service priorities before traveling or before needing to switch providers. The system then automatically applies these pre-set rules to select the appropriate service contract without requiring manual intervention at the moment of switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the virtual SIM system continuously monitors usage patterns, location data, and service performance, then automatically adjusts service contract selection based on this feedback. This closed-loop system learns from user behavior and optimizes service selection over time, reducing manual switching needs while maintaining user control through configurable parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method store provisioning data supporting a plurality of service providers in a VSIM internal memory unit of a mobile device. A user may specify a user profile to automatically enable provisioning data supporting one of the plurality of service providers stored in the VSIM internal memory unit to conduct a wireless communication when certain criteria values are satisfied. The automatic enabling of provisioning data may be determined based upon mobile device location, communication usage request and/or time and date.