Virtual SIM Card Configuration for Roaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when frequently changing SIM cards due to high roaming costs and the tedious process of managing multiple physical SIM cards across different regions, requiring frequent purchases and selections.
Innovation Solution
A communication control method and apparatus that enables the generation of a virtual SIM card application request, allowing users to select parameters like location and service options, and configures virtual SIM card data in a baseband chip, eliminating the need for physical SIM card changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical SIM cards are mounted on a terminal to support frequent SIM card changes, then the terminal can provide multiple data network services, but the device complexity increases and the user must manually manage multiple physical cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual SIM card that copies the functionality of a physical SIM card without requiring actual physical card hardware. The virtual SIM card stores authentication information and network service parameters in a virtual form within the terminal's memory, allowing multiple SIM card functions to coexist in a single terminal without increasing physical hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card insertion and removal system with a virtual SIM card system that operates through software configuration. Instead of physically mounting and demounting cards, the system uses virtual card data stored in memory, substituting mechanical operations with digital data management.
2Ease of operation
If a user frequently changes physical SIM cards to access different data network services, then the user can reduce roaming costs, but the process becomes tedious requiring repeated physical card purchases and slot selections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to pre-configure virtual SIM card parameters including authentication information, network service details, and cost plans before actual use. The virtual SIM card data is prepared in advance and stored in the terminal, so when a user needs to switch services, they simply select from pre-configured options rather than undergoing complete card acquisition and installation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual SIM card creates a digital copy of the physical SIM card's authentication and service functions. Users can switch between different virtual SIM card configurations instantaneously without physical handling, effectively copying the necessary network access capabilities into the terminal's memory space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical SIM cards are used for roaming in different regions, then the user can access local data network services, but the user must buy and change physical cards for each region
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual SIM card system enables a single terminal to universally access multiple data network services across different regions without requiring region-specific physical SIM cards. The terminal can store and switch between virtual SIM card configurations for different operators and regions, providing multi-functional network access through a unified virtual card management system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically acquiring separate SIM cards for each roaming region, the system creates virtual copies of the necessary authentication and service parameters for each region's data network. These virtual copies are stored and managed within the terminal, allowing the user to access multiple regional services through a single terminal without physical card management.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control method and apparatus, a terminal, and a network platform, where after generating a virtual subscriber identity module (SIM) card application request, the terminal sends the virtual SIM card application request to the network platform, then receives target virtual SIM card data returned by the network platform, and configures a target virtual SIM card in a baseband chip such that a user can conveniently change a SIM card only by downloading virtual SIM card data from the network platform using a network, regardless of a location of the user and time. In addition, according to the method, the user can conveniently select, with reference to displayed information about baseband chips, a baseband chip in which the target virtual SIM card data is configured, and does not need to repeatedly detach and mount a SIM card slot of the terminal for confirmation.