Virtual SIM Server for Mobile Handset Data Backup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile handsets face challenges in retaining and transferring personal data, particularly when devices are lost or upgraded, due to limitations in removable user identity modules (SIM, RUIM, USIM, UICC) which are costly, not scalable, and lack sufficient storage capacity, leading to inconvenience and data loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual SIM (VSIM) system that allows mobile handsets to store provisioning information and personal data internally, using a VSIM server for backup and restoration, enabling users to authenticate and upload/download data securely via a cellular network, using alphanumeric passwords or biometric sensors for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical SIM cards are used to store personal data and provisioning information, then users can retain data when upgrading handsets, but users lose data when handsets are lost or destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality by storing provisioning information and personal data on the handset's internal memory and transmitting it to a remote server. This virtual copy persists independently of the physical handset, allowing data recovery even when the original device is lost or destroyed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the handset and data storage. The server acts as a mediator that receives, stores, and provides provisioning information and personal data, eliminating the direct dependency between the physical handset and data retention.
2Ease of operation
If physical SIM cards are used to store personal data, then users can transfer data between handsets, but the SIM cards are costly and not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with a virtual software-based system. Instead of using physical cards with limited storage capacity, the system uses the handset's internal memory and remote server storage, eliminating hardware constraints and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical SIM card storage to three-dimensional cloud-based storage architecture. Data is stored not only on the handset but also transmitted to and stored on a remote server, adding a new dimension to data storage that provides scalability and eliminates physical card limitations.
3Ease of manufacture
If physical SIM cards are used, then provisioning information can be stored on removable cards, but CDMA handsets without removable cards require time-consuming carrier provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the handset with the capability to access remote servers and store provisioning information. When a user needs provisioning, the system automatically retrieves and installs the necessary information from the server in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual carrier provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining constant connectivity between the handset and the remote server. The system continuously synchronizes provisioning information and personal data, ensuring that the handset is always up-to-date without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming re-provisioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing a capability to backup cellular telephone provisioning information and personal data from a mobile handset on a server. A user initializes an account with a service provider with authentication credentials and backs up provisioning information and personal data stored within a mobile handset to server for safe keeping. The provisioning information and personal data can be accessed via the cellular telephone network so that the provisioning and personal data can be transferred among mobile handsets. This allows a user to restore personal data quickly and easily if a mobile handset replaced, lost or destroyed. The system and method further provide the capability to remotely provision new mobile handsets.