Virtual SIM Identifier Binding for Secure Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face challenges in securely managing access to various applications and services for mobile subscribers, with existing methods being complex and often requiring additional fees for data access.
Innovation Solution
The method involves binding a unique Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) identifier to authorized applications or services, using a Home Location Register (HLR) to associate the SIM with specific applications, and allowing for both physical and virtual SIM implementations to manage access, including virtual SIMs that emulate SIM functionality through software, enabling secure access without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex access control mechanisms are implemented to secure applications and services, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access control by creating application-specific SIM identifiers that bind individual applications or services to specific SIM cards. This divides the monolithic access control system into granular, application-level control units, simplifying the overall system while maintaining security through targeted authorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-binding SIM identifiers to specific applications and services before access is attempted. The HLR stores these pre-established bindings, allowing the system to quickly verify authorization without complex real-time authentication processes, thereby simplifying access control while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If physical SIM cards are used for each application, then access security is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating virtual SIM identifiers that replicate the security and identification functions of physical SIM cards in software form. These virtual SIMs are stored in the mobile device's memory and bound to specific applications, providing the same access control security without requiring additional physical hardware cards for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical physical SIM card system with a software-based virtual SIM identifier system. Instead of requiring physical insertion and extraction of SIM cards for different applications, the system uses software-stored identifiers that are bound to applications and verified by the HLR, eliminating the need for multiple physical cards while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical SIM cards are provided for different services, then service accessibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual card management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single physical SIM card that can serve multiple applications and services through virtual SIM identifiers. The single SIM card contains or is associated with multiple virtual SIM bindings stored in the device, allowing one card to universally access multiple services without requiring manual card changes, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining service accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for associating a mobile station subscriber with at least one application or service are provided. The subscriber is provided with a subscriber identity module (“SIM”) identifier, which identities a SIM associated with the subscriber. The SIM identifier is bound to the application or service. The SIM identifier and the application or service are registered with a home location register (“HLR”) to bind the SIM identifier to the application or service. If the SIM is a virtual SIM, the provider of an application or service may cover the data costs associated with the use of that application or service.