Multi-SIM MASC Policy Mapping for Subscription-Specific Service Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-SIM mobile computing devices pose a challenge for modem-assisted service classification (MASC) functionality due to their ability to support multiple subscriptions, leading to misapplication of policies or failure to implement appropriate application-specific data plans when reporting all applications to a network.

Innovation Solution

Implementing MASC functionality on a multi-SIM computing device by associating MASC policies with specific subscriptions and managing the mapping of subscriptions, access point names, and applications, while activating MASC functionality, obtaining policy files, and reporting application launches and terminations to the operator network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all applications are reported to the network in a multi-SIM device, then the network can implement service classification, but policies are misapplied and application-specific data plans fail to implement correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolicy application accuracyVSAvoidsubscription management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the application reporting process by subscription. Each subscription maintains its own MASC functionality instance that independently monitors and reports applications launched while that subscription is active. This prevents policy misapplication by ensuring applications are only reported for the subscription that is actually active, rather than all applications being reported for all subscriptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by making MASC functionality subscription-specific. Each subscription has its own policy file, activation status, and application monitoring instance. The system dynamically enables or disables MASC functionality based on which subscription is currently active, ensuring that policy enforcement is localized to the correct subscription context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If MASC functionality is activated for multiple subscriptions, then service classification can be implemented across all subscriptions, but device complexity and resource management increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-subscription service classificationVSAvoidMASC functionality management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic MASC functionality activation based on subscription status. Rather than permanently enabling MASC for all subscriptions, the system dynamically enables MASC functionality only for the subscription that is currently active. This is achieved through receiving activation signals from the network and dynamically enabling/disabling MASC instances based on real-time subscription activity, reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-subscription adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal MASC framework that can serve multiple subscriptions through a common architectural structure. The system uses a unified interface for receiving activation signals, obtaining policy files, and reporting applications, while internally managing multiple subscription contexts. This allows the device to handle multiple subscriptions with different data plans and policies through a single versatile MASC implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If deep packet inspection is used to gain insight into applications, then service providers can implement application-specific billing, but network processing load increases and user privacy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication insight for billingVSAvoiduser privacy impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the device's MASC functionality as an intermediary between the application layer and the network. Instead of the network performing deep packet inspection to identify applications, the device's MASC instance locally monitors application launches and directly reports this information to the network. This intermediary approach transfers the information gathering burden from the network to the device, eliminating the need for intrusive deep packet inspection while still enabling application-specific service classification and billing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9473931B2Methods to achieve modem-assisted-service-classification functionality in a device with multiple subscriptions

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various embodiments provide methods performed by an modem-assisted-service-classification (MASC) client application operating on a multi-SIM computing device for implementing MASC functionality for two or more subscriptions. In various embodiments, the MASC client may implement MASC functionality by associating MASC policies for one or more access point names (APNs) with a specific subscription and by applying those policies to applications associated with those one or more APNs while that specific subscription is in active communication with its network. Thus, by managing a mapping of subscriptions, APNs/networks, and applications, the MASC client may enable implementation of MASC functionality for a multi-SIM computing device.