In-Device Hotspot Sharing for Multi-SIM RCS Availability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protocols and network configurations do not allow for simultaneous availing of Rich Communication Services (RCS) on multiple SIMs in a user equipment (UE) operating in multi-SIM-multi-standby (MSMS) mode, due to hardware and implementation restraints.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for managing communications in user equipment with multiple SIMs, where an in-device hotspot is used to enable any SIM to access network services available on another SIM, allowing data transfer even when the primary SIM's network service is unavailable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a UE operates in MSMS mode with a single radio shared among multiple SIMs, then power consumption is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but RCS services cannot be simultaneously availed on multiple SIMs due to network service unavailability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRCS service availability on multiple SIMsVSAvoidnetwork service management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (hotspot sharing and network service sharing protocols) that enables SIM1 to access network services through SIM2's established connection. This intermediary approach allows RCS services to be available on multiple SIMs without requiring each SIM to independently establish network connections, thus maintaining MSMS mode simplicity while enabling multi-SIM RCS functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If network service is shared between multiple SIMs in MSMS mode, then RCS services become accessible on all SIMs, but traffic may be dropped by networks due to non-trusted RCS signaling and Media flows

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRCS service accessibilityVSAvoidRCS traffic delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing network service sharing agreements and configuring trusted signaling paths before RCS traffic is generated. The system pre-configures the network paths and signaling protocols to ensure that when RCS traffic flows through the shared network service, it is recognized as trusted and not dropped by the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radios are used in MSMA mode to support simultaneous RCS on multiple SIMs, then RCS service availability improves, but power consumption and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous RCS service on multiple SIMsVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single radio and network service to serve multiple SIMs for RCS communications. Instead of requiring separate radios for each SIM, the system makes the network service universal across all SIMs, allowing any SIM to access RCS services through the shared network connection, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If network protocols are updated to support simultaneous RCS on multiple SIMs in MSMS mode, then service availability improves, but implementation cost and network changes required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-SIM RCS supportVSAvoidnetwork implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by introducing network service sharing only for RCS traffic while leaving other network services operating independently for each SIM. This selective approach enables multi-SIM RCS support without requiring comprehensive protocol updates across the entire network infrastructure, reducing implementation complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3903516B1Method and system for managing communication in user equipment with plurality of subscriber identity modules
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3903516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3903516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3903516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for managing communication in a user equipment with a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIM), the method includes detecting that a network service is unavailable to a first SIM from a plurality of SIMs and is available to a second SIM from the plurality of SIMs; detecting availability of an in-device hotspot; and providing to the first SIM an access to the in-device hotspot for using the network service available to the second SIM for sending data to a network.