Dual SIM Subscription Management Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual SIM single standby devices require cumbersome user intervention to switch between subscriptions when a second SIM card is inserted, as the device typically remains connected to the first active subscription until manually switched.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that automatically detect the presence of a second SIM card, power down the first SIM card, initialize the second subscription, and attempt to connect to the network using the second subscription, thereby enabling seamless switching without user intervention and conserving battery power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the device maintains one SIM card active at a time, then battery power is conserved, but switching between subscriptions requires cumbersome user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoidsubscription switching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when a second SIM card is inserted and autonomously performs the subscription switching process without requiring user intervention. The device monitors SIM card presence, initiates power down of the first SIM card, and activates the second SIM card automatically, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual user control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of SIM card presence and proactively initiates the subscription switching process before the user would need to manually switch. By continuously monitoring for SIM card insertion and automatically triggering the switching sequence, the system prepares and executes the transition in advance of any potential user action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the device automatically switches subscriptions upon detecting a second SIM card, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubscription switching operationVSAvoidsubscription management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the device continuously monitors SIM card presence status and uses this information to automatically trigger subscription switching. The detection of SIM card insertion provides feedback that initiates the power management sequence, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user actions without requiring manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple functions into a unified automated process: SIM card detection, subscription switching decision-making, and power management are merged into a single integrated sequence. Rather than separate manual operations for each function, they are combined into one automatic workflow that executes when a SIM card is detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If both SIM cards are kept powered simultaneously, then subscription switching is instantaneous, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubscription switching speedVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic monitoring of SIM card presence rather than continuous operation of both SIM cards. By detecting SIM card insertion events periodically and switching subscriptions only when needed, the system avoids the continuous power consumption of maintaining both SIM cards active while still enabling rapid switching when changes are required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2823680B1Subscription management in dual SIM single standby devices
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2823680B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2823680B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2823680B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for subscription management in dual SIM devices may include using a first subscription associated with a first SIM card of a wireless device to communicate with a network. The methods and apparatus may further include detecting a presence of a second SIM card in the wireless device and automatically initializing a second subscription associated with the second SIM card in response to the detection. The methods and apparatus may also include attempting to connect to the network using the second subscription.