Virtual SIM Card Sharing via Central Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to share a physical SIM card across multiple mobile terminals, as they need to manually insert and switch the card between devices, which is time-consuming and impractical for frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A virtual SIM card system where a virtual card server manages the sharing of a single SIM card across multiple terminals, allowing each terminal to request and enable the virtual SIM card access, ensuring only one terminal can use it at a time, through a processor and computer-readable storage medium with programming instructions for handling requests and subscriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a physical SIM card is manually inserted and switched between multiple terminals, then the SIM card can be shared across devices, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality that can be accessed by multiple terminals simultaneously. Instead of physically moving the SIM card, a virtual representation is distributed to authorized terminals, allowing instant access without manual insertion or ejection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual card server as an intermediary between the physical SIM card and multiple terminals. This server manages the distribution and control of virtual SIM card access, enabling seamless switching between terminals while maintaining centralized control over the actual SIM card resource.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a physical SIM card is manually switched between multiple terminals, then multiple devices can access the same account, but frequent switching becomes very inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual SIM card creates digital copies that can be instantly activated on any authorized terminal. Users can switch between devices by simply selecting the virtual SIM card in software, eliminating the need for physical manipulation and making frequent switching as convenient as changing apps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary binding between the virtual SIM card and authorized terminals in advance. This pre-configuration allows terminals to be pre-approved for access, enabling users to switch devices without authorization checks or complex procedures during the switching moment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminals store data of the same virtual SIM card, then sharing is enabled, but control over exclusive access must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual card server acts as a central intermediary that manages access rights for multiple terminals storing virtual SIM card data. It controls which terminal can actively use the SIM card at any given moment, resolving conflicts and ensuring exclusive access without requiring complex peer-to-peer negotiation between terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the virtual card server continuously monitors which terminal is currently using the virtual SIM card and communicates this status back to other terminals. This real-time feedback prevents simultaneous usage conflicts and automatically manages access rights based on current usage state.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment method includes receiving, by a virtual card server from a first terminal, a request for enabling a virtual SIM card, where the request for enabling the virtual SIM card includes a virtual SIM card identifier, where the first terminal stores data of the virtual SIM card and a second terminal stores data of the virtual SIM card and determining whether the second terminal has enabled the virtual SIM card in accordance with the virtual SIM card identifier. The method also includes enabling the virtual SIM card for the first terminal when the second terminal has not enabled the virtual SIM card.