eUICC Subscription Profile Caching for Seamless Network Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching between multiple subscriptions on a mobile communication device with an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) can be time-consuming due to the need for detach and attach procedures, disrupting service availability during the transition.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that caches subscription profiles in local memory, allowing the device to activate one subscription without detaching from another, enabling seamless transitions and continuous service by monitoring paging notifications and switching between subscriptions as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detach and attach procedures are performed when switching subscriptions, then network connection reliability is ensured, but service availability is disrupted during transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connection reliabilityVSAvoidservice unavailability time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs detach and attach procedures in advance before the user actually needs to switch subscriptions. The system proactively establishes the second network connection while the first is still active, so that when switching is required, the connection is already prepared and ready, eliminating service interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a buffer or cushion by maintaining multiple active connections simultaneously. The detach/attach operations are performed beforehand to establish backup connections, cushioning against potential service disruptions when switching between subscriptions is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple SIM cards are used to support multiple subscriptions, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple subscription profiles into a single eUICC card. Instead of requiring separate physical SIM cards for each subscription, the system merges multiple network identities and profiles into one integrated circuit card, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to access multiple networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The eUICC card is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple subscription profiles and different radio access technologies (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc.). This universal card can perform the functions of multiple specialized SIM cards, eliminating the need for multiple physical cards while maintaining service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3556124B1Obtaining multiple subscription services from an embedded universal integrated circuit card

Publication Date: 2020.10.21 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

Methods for obtaining network services on a mobile communication device may include attaching the mobile communication device to a first network associated with a first subscription supported by a first profile stored on an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) on the mobile communication device, caching, in memory on the mobile communication device, the first profile corresponding to the first subscription, deactivating the first subscription of the eUICC on the mobile communication device without detaching from the first network, caching, in memory on the mobile communication device, a second profile stored on the eUICC corresponding to a second subscription, activating the first subscription of the eUICC, and monitoring for paging indicators directed to the second subscription utilizing the cached second profile.