eSIM Modem Configuration Switching for Emergency Call Reliability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face issues when disabling a carrier eSIM profile as the modem retains carrier-specific features, leading to adverse effects, such as failure to dial emergency numbers, due to the lack of a physical SIM equivalent process for eSIM devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that store a default modem configuration, allowing the modem to switch between carrier-specific and default configurations upon user input, effectively simulating the removal of a physical SIM by deactivating the current carrier modem configuration and loading the default configuration, which includes a hard-coded emergency call list for functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the modem retains carrier-specific features after disabling an eSIM profile, then carrier features remain available for potential reactivation, but emergency call functionality is lost and adverse effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier feature availabilityVSAvoidemergency call functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the modem configuration into separate components: carrier-specific features and emergency call functionality. When an eSIM profile is disabled, the system selectively removes only the carrier-specific configuration while preserving the emergency call capabilities through a hard-coded fallback mechanism. This allows independent management of different functional aspects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring a hard-coded emergency call list and default modem settings that are always present in the device. Before disabling a carrier profile, the system ensures these fallback configurations are ready to be activated, preventing any loss of emergency functionality. This preparatory measure ensures reliability is maintained regardless of carrier profile state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a physical SIM removal process is implemented for eSIM devices, then emergency call functionality is preserved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency call functionalityVSAvoidprofile management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical SIM removal experience by implementing software-based profile disabling that mimics the behavior of physical SIM extraction. The hard-coded emergency call list replicates the fallback mechanism that would naturally occur with physical SIM removal, providing equivalent functionality without requiring physical hardware manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the modem configuration system universal by designing it to handle both carrier-specific configurations and emergency call functionality through a single unified framework. The same configuration management infrastructure manages both regular carrier profiles and emergency call settings, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If carrier-specific modem configuration is retained after profile disabling, then reactivation is faster, but adverse effects such as inability to dial emergency numbers occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereactivation timeVSAvoidemergency number dialing failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring emergency call capabilities as a permanent fallback option that is always available. Before disabling carrier profiles, the system ensures emergency number configurations are already in place and will automatically activate if carrier-specific configurations become unavailable. This eliminates the harmful effect of emergency number dialing failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating a safety net of hard-coded emergency call functionality that cushions against the potential harm of losing carrier-specific configurations. This protective layer ensures that even if carrier profiles are disabled or become unavailable, the device maintains the ability to make emergency calls, preventing the adverse effects described.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11039296B2Method and apparatus for disabling a carrier eSIM profile

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

A default modem configuration can be stored in a memory. A wireless communication carrier modem configuration corresponding to a wireless communication carrier eSIM profile can be applied to a modem. Wireless communication signals can be communicated with a wireless wide area network via the modem using the wireless communication carrier modem configuration. An input disabling the wireless communication carrier eSIM profile can be received. The wireless communication carrier modem configuration corresponding to the wireless communication carrier eSIM profile in the modem can be deactivated in response to receiving the input disabling the wireless communication carrier eSIM profile. The default modem configuration can be applied to the modem in response to receiving the input disabling the wireless communication carrier eSIM profile. Wireless communication signals can be communicated via the modem using the default modem configuration.