Master-Slave SIM Sharing for Multi-Account Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices typically require separate hardware for each subscriber identity module, making it inconvenient for users to manage multiple accounts, as they need to own and carry multiple devices with elaborate RF transceiver circuitry and power supply systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a 'master' mobile communication device with wireless network capabilities to enable a 'slave' short-range enabled communication device to access and utilize the network connection, allowing both devices to share SIM profiles through short-range communication technology, thereby allowing users to maintain multiple accounts with a single device that is smaller and less complex.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile communication device is associated with only one subscriber and one subscriber identity, then the device structure is simple, but it is inconvenient for users to manage multiple accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The master mobile communication device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a standalone communication device with its own SIM card and as a host that can provide network access to slave devices. The device can switch between using its own subscriber identity and accessing subscriber identities from connected slave devices, making it universally applicable for both single-account and multi-account scenarios without requiring separate hardware for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple communication devices into a single master device. By integrating the ability to host slave devices and share network access through short-range communication, the master device merges the capabilities of what would traditionally require separate devices, allowing users to manage multiple accounts without carrying multiple full-featured mobile phones
2Adaptability or versatility
If users own and manage two or more separate fully functional mobile communication devices for separate subscriber accounts, then multiple accounts can be managed, but user convenience deteriorates due to needing to carry and manage multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The master device provides a universal solution that replaces multiple separate devices. It can function as a standalone device for one account while simultaneously providing network access to slave devices for additional accounts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to physically handle multiple devices, improving ease of operation while maintaining multi-account capability
Solution Approach 2:
The master device acts as an intermediary that provides network access to slave devices. Instead of each slave device needing its own complex RF transceiver and power supply system, the master device mediates the connection to the wireless network, allowing slave devices to access network services without having full functional capabilities themselves. This reduces the burden on users to manage multiple complex devices
3Weight of moving object
If a slave short-range enabled communication device is made smaller and less complex by removing elaborate RF transceiver circuitry and power supply systems, then device portability is improved, but network connection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The master device serves as an intermediary that provides network connection capability to the slave device. The slave device connects to the master device through short-range communication, and the master device handles the complex RF transceiver and power supply functions needed for network access. This allows the slave device to be lightweight and simple while still maintaining reliable network connection capability through the master device's mediation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical RF transceiver circuitry and power supply system in the slave device with a logical connection through short-range communication to the master device. Instead of having dedicated hardware for network access in each device, the system uses software-based SIM profile sharing and logical network access through the master device, substituting mechanical/electrical components with a more efficient communication-based solution
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed of directing calls in a system, the system comprising a mobile communication device and short-range enabled communication device having a subscriber identity module, the method comprising: receiving (502) a call at the mobile communication device from a network node within a wireless network; determining (504) by a manager component of the mobile communication device that the received call is directed to subscriber identity information associated with the short-range enabled communication device; selecting (506) on which of the mobile communication device and the short-range enabled device to answer the call; and directing the call to the selected device.