Multi-SIM Terminal MDT Information Coordination via Connected SIM Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-SIM card mobile devices, base stations cannot obtain minimization of drive tests (MDT) information in a timely manner due to disconnected SIM cards, leading to incomplete network performance measurement.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first SIM card performs MDT in a disconnected state and, upon obtaining information, detects if a second SIM card is connected, sending request information to notify the base station of existing MDT information, allowing the connected SIM card to send notification information, ensuring the base station is informed of the MDT information's presence and location within the terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each SIM card independently exchanges data with the base station, then each SIM card can operate autonomously, but the base station cannot obtain MDT information in time when the SIM card performing MDT is disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMDT information transmission reliabilityVSAvoidMDT information delivery delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a terminal-side coordination mechanism where the terminal acts as an intermediary to manage MDT information across multiple SIM cards. When one SIM card collects MDT information but is disconnected, the terminal stores the information and uses another connected SIM card as a mediator to transmit the data to the base station, ensuring both reliability and timely delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables SIM cards to perform multiple functions: not only their primary communication function but also serving as backup transmission channels for MDT information collected by other SIM cards. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain MDT information transmission reliability even when individual SIM cards are disconnected.

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

2Loss of information

If MDT information is stored locally in the disconnected SIM card, then data integrity is maintained, but the base station cannot access the information

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMDT information availabilityVSAvoidInformation retrieval complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the MDT information management function across multiple SIM cards within the terminal. Instead of each SIM card operating completely independently, the terminal combines their functions to create a unified MDT information pool that can be accessed and transmitted through any connected SIM card, making information retrieval easier while maintaining data integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal serves as an intermediary between the disconnected SIM card storing MDT information and the base station requiring the information. The terminal manages the storage, retrieval, and transmission processes, simplifying the overall operation while ensuring information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal uses multiple SIM cards with different IMEIs, then each SIM card can be treated as a separate terminal, but this increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMulti-SIM card functionalityVSAvoidSIM card management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal management layer at the terminal level that handles MDT information across all SIM cards uniformly. This multi-functionality allows the terminal to manage multiple SIM cards with different IMEIs for enhanced adaptability while the unified management approach prevents exponential increases in complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the MDT information management function into independent modules that can handle each SIM card separately, yet coordinate through a common interface. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple SIM cards with high adaptability while keeping the management complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4021040B1MDT information notifying method and apparatus, and MDT information receiving method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4021040B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4021040B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4021040B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an MDT information notifying method, comprising: a first SIM card among a plurality of SIM cards performing MDT in a disconnected state, so as to acquire MDT information; detecting, after the first SIM card acquires the MDT information, whether there is a second SIM card in a connected state among the plurality of SIM cards; if there is the second SIM card, sending request information to the second SIM card; and the second SIM card sending notification information to a base station, the notification information being used for notifying the base station that there is the MDT information in a terminal. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the first SIM card acquiring the MDT information cannot send the MDT information to the base station or notify the base station that there is the MDT information in the terminal, the second SIM card in the connected state in the terminal can be used for notifying the base station that there is the MDT information in the terminal, so that the base station can learn that there is the MDT information in the terminal in a timely manner, and thus the base station can acquire the MDT information in the terminal in a timely manner according to needs.