Virtual SIM Authentication for Thinner Mobile Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of thinner and lighter smartphones is restricted by the need for a SIM card slot, as existing solutions like Micro SIM and Nano SIM cards do not adequately address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for authenticating terminals in a mobile communication system using certification information certified by target software, allowing the terminal to access the mobile communication network without a physical SIM card, thereby eliminating the need for a SIM card slot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a SIM card slot is included in the terminal, then terminal authentication can be achieved, but the terminal cannot be made lighter and thinner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SIM card slot from the terminal device, removing the physical component that adds weight and thickness. Instead, it uses a virtual SIM card implementation where authentication information is stored in the terminal's memory or cloud-based, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot while maintaining authentication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card slot system with an electronic/software-based authentication system. The physical insertion and extraction of SIM cards is substituted with electronic storage and processing of authentication credentials, eliminating the mechanical components that contribute to terminal weight and thickness.
2Reliability
If a SIM card slot is included in the terminal, then terminal authentication can be achieved, but the terminal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the SIM card slot and associated mechanical structures from the terminal design. By extracting this physical component, the overall structural complexity of the terminal is reduced, allowing for simpler internal layouts and fewer moving parts while maintaining authentication capabilities through software-based solutions.
3Volume of moving object
If Micro SIM or Nano SIM cards are used, then the SIM card size is reduced, but the terminal still cannot be made lighter and thinner fundamentally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the SIM card functionality without the physical form factor. Instead of reducing the physical SIM card size to Micro or Nano versions, it replicates the authentication functions in software form, storing authentication credentials in the terminal's memory or cloud infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for any physical SIM card component.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention disclosed a method and an apparatus for authenticating a terminal in a mobile communication system, the method includes: an authenticating end obtains first authentication information sent by a terminal, the terminal is configured to obtain first certification information inputted by a user, and determine the first authentication information according to the first certification information, the first certification information is information certified by a target software; the authentication server authenticates the terminal according to the first authentication information; after the authentication server has successfully authenticate the terminal according to the first authentication information, a mobile communication authorize the terminal to access the mobile communication. The present invention solves the problem in the related art that the SIM card has restricted development of the terminal to be lighter and thinner.