Methods, systems, and devices for providing subscription services to a communication device that shares an operational profile with another communication device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication devices with expired subscriptions face challenges in renewing or switching subscriptions efficiently, particularly in scenarios where wireless or wired connections are unavailable, leading to disruptions in service continuity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a bootstrap profile detection mechanism that allows communication devices to receive limited services over cellular networks, enabling users to renew or switch subscriptions through mobile applications, text messages, or web interfaces, and subsequent conversion to operational profiles via over-the-air communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If communication devices use traditional wired connections for subscription management, then service continuity is maintained, but user mobility and ease of operation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscription renewal convenienceVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with wireless communication systems (cellular networks, Wi-Fi). The network node communicates with communication devices wirelessly to detect expired subscriptions, provide renewal options, and transfer profile data, eliminating the need for physical wired connections while maintaining service reliability through robust wireless protocols and network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary between the subscription management system and communication devices. This intermediary detects expired subscriptions, provides renewal interfaces, and facilitates profile data transfer, enabling seamless subscription management without requiring direct wired connections between devices and management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If communication devices immediately require wired connections for subscription changes, then service reliability is maintained, but user convenience and response time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscription renewal timeVSAvoidnetwork connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection of expired subscriptions by the network node before users attempt to use services. The system proactively identifies subscription issues and provides renewal options in advance, preventing service disruptions rather than reacting after connections fail. This preliminary action reduces the time users spend on subscription management while maintaining reliability through advance intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic subscription management system that adapts to different connection scenarios. The network node can communicate wirelessly with devices to manage subscriptions, and the system dynamically transitions devices between different service states (active, expired, renewing) based on real-time conditions, enabling flexible and timely subscription changes without rigid wired connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication devices share operational profiles across multiple devices, then service versatility is improved, but profile management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile sharing capabilityVSAvoidprofile detection and management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal profile data structures that can represent multiple communication devices and their relationships in a standardized format. The operational profile contains universal elements (device identifiers, service subscriptions, user information) that can be interpreted across different device types and scenarios, enabling flexible profile sharing without requiring device-specific customization or increasing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12382262B2Methods, systems, and devices for providing subscription services to a communication device that shares an operational profile with another communication device

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, detecting a first bootstrap profile on a first communication device, and detecting a second bootstrap profile on a second communication device. Further aspects can include determining the first bootstrap profile and the second bootstrap profile are a same bootstrap profile, and providing limited services to the second communication device according to the first communication device and the second communication device having the same bootstrap profile. Other embodiments are disclosed.