Virtual SIM Download via Location Detection for Roaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face high costs and inconvenience when using roaming services, particularly due to excessive charges for roaming services in foreign countries and difficulties in obtaining pre-paid SIMs compatible with their electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to enable virtual SIMs on electronic devices, allowing users to download and activate a second SIM based on location information, enabling network services through a roaming application, which simplifies the process of purchasing and using roaming services by eliminating the need for physical SIMs and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roaming service is used, then network access in foreign country is enabled, but excessive economic burden occurs due to high usage charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a local SIM card that replicates the functionality of a physical SIM without requiring actual physical presence in the foreign country. The virtual SIM card system downloads and activates a virtual SIM profile that mimics local network access, allowing users to obtain local rates without traveling to purchase physical SIMs abroad.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a virtual SIM card as an intermediary between the user's device and foreign network operators. This virtual SIM acts as a mediator that enables network access through software-based authentication and profile management, eliminating the need for direct physical SIM card acquisition in foreign countries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-paid SIM is purchased locally, then network service compatibility is improved, but purchasing convenience deteriorates due to difficulty in obtaining compatible SIMs
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of foreign SIM card profiles that can be downloaded and activated on demand. These virtual SIM profiles replicate the network authentication credentials and service parameters of physical SIMs, providing the same network compatibility without requiring physical purchase trips to foreign countries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to prepare and download virtual SIM profiles in advance before traveling to foreign countries. Users can obtain their virtual SIM cards while still in their home country, eliminating the need to rush to purchase physical SIMs upon arrival abroad.
3Reliability
If physical SIM card system is used, then network authentication reliability is ensured, but device complexity increases due to SIM card management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with a software-based virtual SIM implementation. The virtual SIM uses digital credentials and software-based authentication protocols to replicate the security and reliability of physical SIM cards while eliminating the need for physical card handling, ejection trays, and card replacement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a processor configured to execute a roaming application, a communication circuit configured to enable a first subscriber identity module (SIM) and to communicate with a network based on the first SIM, and a memory configured to store data associated with the roaming application. The processor is further configured to, when a roaming service product is selected in the roaming application, download a second SIM corresponding to the roaming service product from a server and enable an activation menu of the roaming service product included in the roaming application, based on location information of the electronic device.