Virtual SIM for Wearables via Short-Range Data Package

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, face challenges in directly connecting to mobile networks due to their small size, which makes it difficult to accommodate physical SIM cards, leading to a dependency on other devices for network access.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a virtual subscriber identity module (SIM) that allows devices to receive a virtual SIM data package via short-range communications protocols, enabling them to obtain and use a virtual subscriber identity for network communication without a physical SIM card, thus reducing hardware costs and increasing convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a physical SIM card is used for network connection, then network access is reliable, but device size increases and hardware cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access reliabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a virtual SIM card that copies the essential identity and authentication functions of a physical SIM card into software form. The virtual SIM card stores subscriber identity information and authentication credentials, enabling the device to access mobile networks without requiring a physical SIM card slot or card, thus reducing device volume while maintaining network access reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical SIM card system with a software-based virtual SIM card system. Instead of requiring physical insertion and extraction of SIM cards, the system uses digital authentication mechanisms where the device communicates with the network operator's authentication server using software-stored credentials, eliminating the need for physical SIM card hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a physical SIM card is disposed in the device, then network communication is enabled, but hardware cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork communication capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual SIM card replicates the functionality of a physical SIM card in software form, storing subscriber identity, authentication keys, and network access credentials. This allows the device to communicate with mobile networks without requiring physical SIM card slots, SIM card readers, or associated hardware interfaces, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining network communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual SIM card system provides universal network access capability across different device types and configurations. The software-based approach can be implemented in various devices without requiring specific hardware slots or form factors, making the system adaptable to wearables, tablets, and other devices where physical SIM cards are difficult to dispose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a physical SIM card is required, then network authentication is secure, but device portability and ease of use decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork authentication securityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual SIM card copies all necessary authentication credentials, including international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), authentication keys, and network access information, into software storage. This maintains the security requirements for network authentication while eliminating the need for physical SIM card handling, improving device portability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card insertion and removal process with a software-based authentication system. The device automatically performs network authentication using stored credentials and communicates with the network operator's authentication server, eliminating the need for users to physically handle SIM cards while maintaining security through cryptographic authentication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11895505B2Method and device for performing communication by using virtual subscriber identity module

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method and a device for performing communication by using a virtual subscriber identity module are used to provide a mode in which the device can perform communication without a SIM card. The method includes: receiving, by a first device, a virtual subscriber identity module data package sent by a second device by using a short range communications protocol, where the virtual subscriber identity module data package carries a virtual subscriber identity, and the virtual subscriber identity is used to uniquely identify a user using the first device when the first device performs communication in a network provided by a mobile communications operator; obtaining, by the first device, the virtual subscriber identity by using the virtual subscriber identity module data package; and communicating, by the first device by using the virtual subscriber identity, with another device in the network provided by the mobile communications operator.