Dual-SIM Handset Roaming Access via Segmented Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions do not effectively manage access to mobile communication services, particularly when users are abroad, as they are often limited by WiFi coverage and incur high roaming charges, and do not allow seamless switching between SIM cards for authentication and data usage.

Innovation Solution

A method using dual-SIM handsets with a primary SIM for authentication and a secondary eSIM for data, allowing users to maintain their local identity while accessing foreign networks, decoupling data connectivity from communication services and enabling seamless switching between SIM cards for authentication and data usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If users rely on regular carrier network for mobile services, then service quality is maintained, but coverage area is limited and roaming charges are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidroaming charges
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mobile service access into two independent parts: authentication (handled by home network via primary SIM) and data connectivity (handled by visited network via secondary SIM). This allows users to maintain service quality through home network authentication while obtaining wide coverage from local visited networks abroad, eliminating roaming charges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a secondary SIM card as an intermediary that bridges the user's home network and the visited network. The secondary SIM enables data connectivity through the visited network's data services, while the primary SIM maintains authentication with the home network, allowing seamless access without roaming charges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users use WiFi calling to extend coverage, then roaming charges are avoided, but service is limited to WiFi coverage areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidcoverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile device universally accessible across different network types by implementing dual-SIM functionality. The device can simultaneously maintain authentication with the home network via primary SIM while connecting to various data networks (WiFi, 4G, 5G) through the secondary SIM, providing service accessibility beyond WiFi-only limitations.

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

3Object-generated harmful factors

If users switch SIM cards for data connectivity abroad, then roaming charges are reduced, but authentication continuity is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroaming chargesVSAvoidauthentication continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the SIM card functions into authentication (primary SIM) and data connectivity (secondary SIM). This allows the device to maintain continuous authentication with the home network through the primary SIM while using the secondary SIM for data connectivity on visited networks, reducing roaming charges without disrupting authentication continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If users maintain single SIM for both authentication and data, then device complexity is low, but flexibility in network management is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIM management structureVSAvoidnetwork management flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments SIM card functionality into two separate physical SIMs: primary SIM for authentication and secondary SIM for data connectivity. This segmentation provides flexibility in network management, allowing users to maintain home network authentication while accessing local networks abroad, without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic SIM selection where the device can automatically or manually switch between primary and secondary SIMs based on network conditions and user preferences. This dynamic behavior provides network management flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple dual-SIM device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3310018B1Access through a second mobile telecommunication network to services offered by a first mobile telecommunication network
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 TELEFONICA DIGITAL ESPANA SLU
  • EP3310018B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3310018B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3310018B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Present invention refers to a method and a system for accessing through a second mobile telecommunication network to services offered by a first mobile telecommunication network. It comprises the steps of: establishing a first communication channel with the second network, based on a secondary SIM card; establishing a second communication channel with the first network using the first communication channel, wherein a user of the mobile communication device is authenticated using a primary SIM card; registering, through the second communication channel, the user of the mobile communication device into the first network using the information stored in the primary SIM card; and accessing from the mobile communication device to services offered by the first network through the second communication channel.