Virtual SIM Card Provisioning for Multi-Device Service Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sharing services between user equipment (UEs) using physical SIM cards require physical proximity and are limited by compatibility issues between different device types, making it difficult to dynamically provision services across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method for dynamically provisioning a virtual SIM card across multiple devices, allowing users to share services by sending SIM over-the-air (OTA) messages to user equipment (UEs) and vehicles, enabling seamless service switching between devices without the need for physical proximity or compatibility constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical SIM cards are used for service sharing, then service authentication is reliable, but physical proximity is required and device compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality through software implementation. The virtual SIM card replicates the authentication and identification functions of a physical SIM card while eliminating physical constraints. This allows the same service authentication capabilities to be accessed across multiple device types without requiring physical SIM presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with an electronic/software-based virtual SIM card system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical insertion and extraction of SIM cards, removing the requirement for physical proximity and mechanical compatibility between devices while maintaining the core authentication functionality.
2Ease of operation
If physical SIM cards are used for service sharing, then device identification is straightforward, but dynamic provisioning across multiple devices is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual SIM card system that can be remotely provisioned, activated, and deactivated across multiple devices through software updates. This dynamic capability allows service providers to flexibly allocate and reassign service access to different devices without physical intervention, enabling rapid adaptation to changing user needs and device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual SIM card as an intermediary layer between the user and the service provider's network infrastructure. This virtual intermediary enables remote provisioning and management of service access, allowing service providers to dynamically control service allocation across multiple devices without requiring direct physical access to each device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual SIM cards are implemented, then device compatibility and flexibility are improved, but authentication and security mechanisms must be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual SIM card platform that can operate across multiple device types and operating systems through standardized software interfaces. This universal implementation maintains broad device compatibility while incorporating robust authentication mechanisms that work consistently across different platforms, eliminating the need for device-specific authentication implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for virtual subscriber identity module (SIM) sharing. The method can include a service provider receiving a request including service details from a first UE. The service provider can verify the request and then generate a first SIM over-the-air (OTA) message. The first virtual SIM-OTA message can be sent to the first UE and causes the first UE to dynamically provision a virtual SIM. The service provider can also generate and transmit a first unique identifier to the first UE. The method can further include the service provider receiving a second unique identifier from a second UE. After determining the first unique identifier matches the second unique identifier, the service provider can generate and transmit a second SIM-OTA message to the second UE. The service provider can then provide the service to the first UE and second UE according to the service details.