IMSI Change Control for eSIM Mobile Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for mobile communication terminals, such as those using eSIMs, do not allow for simultaneous use of multiple IMSIs and fail to distinguish between terminals capable and incapable of eSIM usage, limiting network switching based on application requirements.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and system that determines whether identification information can be changed from one network to another within the mobile communication terminal, allowing for network switching based on location and application-specific conditions, and notifies the terminal to change its IMSI if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system requests IMSI change to all mobile communication terminals, then terminals capable of eSIM can switch networks, but terminals incapable of eSIM waste communication resources by receiving unnecessary requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of mobile communication terminals based on their eSIM capability. The determination unit identifies which terminals can change IMSI (those with eSIM) and which cannot (those with traditional SIM), then selectively sends change requests only to capable terminals. This resolves the contradiction by making the system's adaptability targeted rather than universal, preventing resource waste on incapable terminals while maintaining network switching capability for those that can support it.
2Productivity
If the system distinguishes between eSIM-capable and non-eSIM terminals, then IMSI change requests can be targeted efficiently, but the system complexity increases due to additional determination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the control apparatus acts as a mediator between the network and mobile terminals. The determination unit within the control apparatus serves as an intermediary layer that assesses terminal capabilities before forwarding requests. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient targeted communication without requiring complex modifications to the terminals themselves, resolving the contradiction by centralizing the determination logic in the control apparatus rather than distributing complexity across the network infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows application-specific network selection, then users can optimize for specific app requirements, but the control complexity increases due to app-based decision making
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the control apparatus determine terminal capabilities and available networks in advance, before applications need to make selection decisions. The system pre-processes the information about which terminals can change IMSI and what networks are available, then presents this prepared information to applications. This resolves the contradiction by performing the complex determination work beforehand, allowing applications to make simple selections based on pre-analyzed options rather than requiring them to handle complex control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes: a determination unit that determines whether identification information for identifying a mobile communication terminal in a second mobile communication network can be changed from first identification information assigned in the first mobile communication network to a second identification information assigned in the second mobile communication network, when the mobile communication terminal in which the first identification information is stored is situated in a region in which the second mobile communication network can be used and the mobile communication terminal uses the first mobile communication network via a second mobile communication network; and a notification unit that transmits a notification of a change of the identification information to a request apparatus that is connected to the second mobile communication network and is configured to request the mobile communication terminal to change the identification information, if it is determined that the identification information can be changed.