Dual SIM Location-Based Service Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling service usage on mobile terminals in communication networks based on location are limited in customization and setup, lacking extensive flexibility and precision in service management.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using dual SIM cards with unique IMSIs and MSISDNs for preferred and remaining areas, stored on a SIM card, and activating the appropriate identifier based on location determination using signal strength and geo-coordinates, allowing for precise service profile switching and billing adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If location-based service control is implemented using conventional methods, then service usage can be differentiated by location, but the customization and flexibility of service management remain limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice customizationVSAvoidservice management setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coverage area is divided into multiple preferred areas and remaining areas, each with distinct service profiles. The mobile terminal maintains separate service configurations for each area type, enabling granular location-based service customization without requiring complex global management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal autonomously determines its current location, identifies whether it is in a preferred or remaining area, and automatically activates the corresponding service profile. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external service management setup and enables flexible on-the-fly service adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If service profiles are switched based on location determination, then service management precision improves, but the complexity of location tracking and identifier management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoididentifier management
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal uses its existing location determination capabilities (signal strength measurement, geo-coordinate acquisition) for dual purposes: both for general network operations and for precise service profile selection. This multi-functional use of existing components achieves precise location-based service control without adding dedicated complex identifier management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Service area identifiers act as intermediaries between location determination and service profile activation. The terminal determines location, matches it against stored preferred area identifiers, and activates corresponding services. This intermediary layer simplifies the management complexity by using straightforward identifier matching rather than complex real-time service configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time service profile switching is implemented, then billing accuracy based on location improves, but the processing overhead and system response time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebilling accuracyVSAvoidservice switching delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Service profiles for preferred areas and remaining areas are pre-configured and stored in the mobile terminal before actual service usage. When location-based service switching is needed, the terminal simply retrieves and activates the pre-prepared service profile corresponding to the current area type, achieving accurate billing without real-time processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The service profile activation is dynamically triggered by location changes. The terminal continuously monitors location and automatically switches service profiles only when transitioning between preferred and remaining areas. This dynamic approach ensures billing accuracy while minimizing unnecessary processing and maintaining fast response times during stable location periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1732332B1Usage control of services in communication networks
Publication Date: 2016.06.29 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP1732332B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1732332B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1732332B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for controlling the use of a mobile device (B) in a communication network (1, 1520) of services available for communication connections depending on the location of the mobile device in the communication network (1, 1520), wherein the communication network (1, 1520) has at least one coverage area with a cellular network structure composed of radio cells, the coverage area for at least one mobile device (B) is divided into at least one priority area and a residual area, and when the mobile device (B) is located in the at least one priority area for communication connections, the use of at least one service is enabled, which differs from the use of services enabled when the mobile device (B) is located in the residual area for communication connections.In order to meet the ongoing need for a mobile device (B) in a communication network for communication connections, and to provide services depending on the location of the mobile device (B) in the communication network (1, 1520), and in particular to enable extensively customizable services as well as their setup and/or signaling, the mobile device (B) in the communication network (1, 1520) has at least two identifiers (IMS11, IMS12) for identifying a communication subscriber in the communication network (1, 1520), of which at least one identifier (IMS11) grants the mobile device (B) access to the communication network (1, 1520) exclusively in at least one preferred area, and the other identifier (IMSI2) grants the mobile device (B) access to the communication network (1, 1520) at least in the remaining area.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device for controlling the use of a mobile device (B) in a communication network (1, 1520) for communication connections and the services available for communication links, depending on the location of the mobile device (B) in the communication network (1, 1520). The present invention also relates to a mobile device (B) which can be used in a communication network (1, 1520) according to the method.