Multi-active EUICC Time Manager for MNO Profile Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (EUICCs) in wireless devices cannot be easily changed to switch between mobile network operators (MNOs), posing challenges for managing access to radio resources and accommodating multiple stakeholders with different communication needs in machine-to-machine (M2M) devices.

Innovation Solution

A multi-active-MNO EUICC with a time manager and radio resource schedule that selectively enables one MNO profile at a time, allocating time slices to applications associated with each profile, allowing different applications to use different MNOs and manage access to radio resources efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional removable SIM card is used, then the user can easily switch between mobile network operators by inserting a new SIM card, but the device cannot support multiple active MNO profiles simultaneously and requires physical card changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support multiple MNO profilesVSAvoidease of switching MNO profiles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MNO profile management by separating the storage of multiple MNO profiles from the active selection mechanism. The EUICC stores multiple MNO profiles in its memory, while a separate profile manager component handles the selection and activation of specific profiles based on scheduling rules, allowing simultaneous support for multiple operators without requiring physical card changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic profile switching through a time-based scheduling mechanism. The profile manager dynamically selects which MNO profile to activate based on pre-defined schedules, current time, and operational conditions, enabling the device to adaptively switch between multiple MNO profiles without user intervention while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If an embedded UICC (EUICC) is used to solder the subscription module directly to the circuit board, then the device structure is simplified and reliability is improved, but the ability to change the subscription module to switch MNOs is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of subscription moduleVSAvoidability to change MNO subscription

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the EUICC multi-functional by enabling it to store multiple MNO profiles simultaneously rather than being limited to a single subscription. The embedded card serves universal purposes by accommodating different network operators through profile management, allowing the device to switch between MNOs without requiring physical replacement of the EUICC itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a profile manager as an intermediary layer between the EUICC storage and the radio access functionality. This mediator component handles the complexity of profile selection, activation, and switching, allowing the embedded EUICC to maintain its reliable fixed position while still enabling flexible MNO changes through software-based profile management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple MNO profiles are stored in the EUICC to accommodate different stakeholders, then the device can support multiple communication needs, but managing access to radio resources becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple stakeholdersVSAvoidcomplexity of radio resource management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through time-based scheduling of MNO profile activation. The profile manager uses pre-defined schedules to automatically switch between different MNO profiles at specific time intervals or based on operational patterns, reducing the complexity of managing multiple profiles by automating the selection process based on temporal patterns rather than requiring complex real-time decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages the complexity of multiple MNO profiles by changing the parameter of profile activation from a manual or complex automated selection process to a time-based parameter. The profile manager changes which profile is active based on the current time and pre-configured scheduling rules, simplifying the management of multiple stakeholders' communication needs through a single time-based control mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8868041B2Radio management method and system using embedded universal integrated circuit card

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS

AI summary

A multi-use embedded universal integrated circuit card contains more than one active MNO (mobile network operator) profile. The example card may include a time manager and a radio resource schedule for managing access to a radio within a wireless device. The time manager enables one of the active MNO profiles at a time in accordance with the radio resource schedule, effectively allocating respective time slices to applications associated with each of the active MNO profiles.