Virtual SIM Downloading via Intermediate Device Relay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual SIM card downloading methods rely on internet connectivity, which hinders service availability when users are in roaming or crossing service areas without internet access.
Innovation Solution
A method and device configuration that allows virtual card data to be downloaded by presetting scenario conditions or using an intermediate device for near-field communication, enabling offline access to virtual SIM services by creating an account and associating it with virtual card data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If VSIM downloading is implemented through the Internet, then downloading convenience is improved, but service availability deteriorates when Internet connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service manager as an intermediary component that can be deployed locally on the terminal or on a nearby device. This service manager caches VSIM credentials and enables local authentication and VSIM downloading without requiring continuous Internet connectivity. The service manager acts as a mediator between the user equipment and the network service provider, allowing VSIM operations to proceed even when the Internet connection is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary caching of VSIM credentials and authentication data in the service manager before Internet connectivity is lost. By pre-storing necessary VSIM data and authentication information locally, the system enables VSIM downloading and authentication operations to continue offline. This preliminary action ensures that critical VSIM functions remain available even when the terminal cannot connect to the Internet.
2Reliability
If VSIM credentials are distributed through the network service provider, then security is improved, but accessibility deteriorates when roaming or crossing service areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VSIM credential distribution system into multiple independent components: the network service provider maintains secure credential storage, while local service managers on terminals or nearby devices hold cached authentication data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain security through distributed architecture while improving accessibility during roaming, as the local service manager can authenticate without real-time network connection to the home location provider.
Solution Approach 2:
The service manager acts as an intermediary that caches VSIM credentials locally, enabling authentication and VSIM downloading to proceed even when the terminal is roaming or crossing service areas. This intermediary layer decouples the immediate authentication need from the remote credential storage, allowing VSIM operations to continue offline while maintaining security through encrypted credential caching.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a virtual card downloading method, a terminal, and an intermediate device. The method includes: establishing, by a terminal, a communication connection to an intermediate device connected to a server, sending, by the terminal, terminal information to the server and downloading the virtual card data from the server via a data transmission channel between the terminal and the intermediate device, wherein the terminal information is used to enable the server to create an account for the terminal, and the account is associated with a virtual card data, the virtual card data is provided for the terminal.