Dynamic SIM/eSIM and Radio Access Selection for Slice Continuity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-SIM/eSIM wireless devices face challenges in dynamically selecting SIM/eSIM profiles and network slices to ensure uninterrupted data connections for applications, especially when preferred network slices are unavailable on the currently active SIM/eSIM, leading to potential interruptions and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The wireless device can switch between dual-SIM/eSIM operating modes (DSDS and DSDA) and access networks to dynamically select the appropriate SIM/eSIM profile and network slice based on application requirements and availability, using mechanisms like temporary mode changes, intra-device connections, and registration with alternative networks to ensure uninterrupted data connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless device uses a single SIM/eSIM profile at a time, then device complexity is reduced, but network slice availability is limited when the preferred slice is unavailable on the active SIM

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice availabilityVSAvoidSIM/eSIM management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple SIM/eSIM profiles based on real-time network slice availability and application requirements. The system transitions from a static single-SIM configuration to a dynamic multi-SIM selection mechanism that automatically chooses the optimal SIM profile when preferred network slices are unavailable on the current active SIM.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless device is divided into multiple independent SIM/eSIM profiles, each capable of accessing different network slices. This segmentation allows the device to distribute network access across multiple SIMs, ensuring that if one SIM's preferred slice is unavailable, alternative SIMs with available slices can be activated without compromising overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wireless device switches between different SIM/eSIM profiles to access unavailable network slices, then network flexibility is improved, but connection interruptions may occur during switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice selection flexibilityVSAvoiddata connection continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple SIM/eSIM profiles with their respective network slice capabilities before actual data transmission begins. When a preferred network slice becomes unavailable, the system has already prepared alternative SIM profiles and can switch between them with minimal disruption, reducing connection interruptions during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary selection mechanism that mediates between the application's network slice requirements and the available SIM profiles. This intermediary layer evaluates real-time network conditions, SIM availability, and slice preferences to orchestrate smooth transitions between SIMs, ensuring continuous data connectivity while maintaining network flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the wireless device monitors multiple network slices across different SIMs, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuously monitoring all network slices across all SIM profiles, the system applies partial action by monitoring only the essential parameters needed for slice availability determination. The device maintains awareness of multiple slices' availability status without requiring full continuous monitoring of all SIMs, thereby reducing power consumption while still ensuring reliable service through selective surveillance of critical network parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250220410A1Dynamic profile and radio access technology selection based on application network slice requirements

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 APPLE INC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to wireless communications, including methods and apparatus for dynamically selecting subscriber identity module (SIM) profiles, electronic SIM (eSIM) profiles, multi-SIM operating modes, and/or wireless access networks for network slice based applications of wireless devices. A wireless device can include at least two SIM/eSIM profiles and switch use of SIM/eSIM profiles, change between dual SIM operating modes, and/or select a registration mode based on requirements of one or more applications in use and availability of network slices via different wireless networks.