Core Service Platform for Wireless Device Subscription Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless network systems are inflexible and require cumbersome processes for managing usage, offers, and pricing, especially when users need to switch devices or subscriptions, often involving manual SIM transfer and device reconfiguration, which is inconvenient and costly for both consumers and operators.

Innovation Solution

A Core Service Platform (CSP) system that allows users to provision and activate subscriber-specific services on any device using a secure code, enabling seamless switching between devices and subscriptions without the need for physical SIM swapping, through Over-The-Air (OTA) updates and a Global SIM concept, facilitating self-activation and efficient service management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual SIM transfer and device reconfiguration processes are used, then service switching between devices is possible, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice switching capabilityVSAvoidactivation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary provisioning of service profiles to multiple devices before the user needs to switch. The network server pre-configures service parameters, authentication credentials, and device settings, so that when a user activates a new device, the service transfer occurs automatically without manual intervention or time-consuming reconfiguration steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device switching process is automated through self-service mechanisms where the network server automatically detects device changes, retrieves stored service profiles, and configures the new device without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously handles SIM card virtualization, service profile activation, and device registration, eliminating the need for manual SIM transfer and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical SIM cards are used for service subscription, then service portability between devices is enabled, but the SIM card becomes difficult to remove and transfer in modern devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice portabilityVSAvoidSIM transfer ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card system with a virtual SIM implementation. Instead of physically removing and inserting SIM cards, the system uses software-based SIM profiles stored on the network server that can be electronically activated on any device. This substitution eliminates the physical manipulation of SIM cards while maintaining service portability through digital profile transfer and activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional service activation processes are used, then service provisioning is possible, but operational overhead and costs increase for network operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provisioning capabilityVSAvoidoperational overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple separate activation and provisioning processes into a single integrated workflow. The network server combines service profile management, device registration, authentication, and configuration tasks into one automated process, reducing the number of separate operations required and thereby decreasing operational overhead and resource consumption for service provisioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9565552B2System and method for enabling a wireless device with customer-specific services

Publication Date: 2017.02.07 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A mobile wireless device which operates in a wireless network is capable of: displaying a request for a user specified subscriber identification code on a GUI, receiving a single entry of the user specified subscriber identification code from the GUI, appending a code specifying a request for a type of activation and a request for data representing customer specific services to the subscriber identification code to form an activation code, transmitting the activation code to a control center wherein the transmission of the activation code results from the single entry of the user specified subscriber identification code into the GUI, receiving data representing customer specific services from the control center in response to the transmission of the activation code, and storing the received data representing the customer specific services in the memory.