Mobile Network Operator Profile Management for Multi-Device eSIM Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in providing communication functions to all user devices due to limitations imposed by mobile network operators, such as restricted eSIM slots.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a mobile network operator manages communication profiles by receiving activation requests for user equipment, determining the number of enabled profiles, and either disabling a profile in one device to enable it in another or simply activating a new profile if available slots exist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile network operator provides communication profiles to multiple user devices, then the user can maintain communication capabilities across multiple devices, but the operator's resource limitations (eSIM slots) prevent providing profiles to all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of communication profiles across multiple devices by implementing a centralized profile management system. When a user has multiple devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, wearables), the system consolidates profile allocation under a single account, allowing profiles to be shared or transferred between devices. This combining approach enables the user to maintain communication capabilities across multiple devices without requiring separate profile allocations for each device, thus resolving the contradiction between multi-device adaptability and limited profile quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic profile allocation where communication profiles can be activated, deactivated, transferred, or deleted based on real-time device usage and user needs. The system dynamically adjusts which devices have active profiles, allowing profiles to move between devices as needed. This dynamic management enables the limited number of profiles to serve multiple devices sequentially or concurrently, maximizing the utility of each profile while maintaining communication capabilities across the user's device ecosystem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system activates a new communication profile in a device when the maximum number of profiles is reached, then the user gains communication capability in the new device, but an existing profile must be deactivated or deleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively managing profile lifecycles before activation conflicts occur. The system monitors device usage patterns, connection status, and user preferences to identify which existing profiles are candidates for deactivation or transfer before a new profile activation is requested. This preliminary identification and preparation of replacement profiles ensures that when a new device needs activation, the system can smoothly transition without service interruption, maintaining reliability while enabling new device connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the status and usage of active communication profiles across all user devices. When a new profile activation is requested and the maximum number of profiles is reached, the feedback from usage patterns helps determine which existing profile should be deactivated or transferred. This feedback-driven decision-making ensures that the least-used or least-critical profile is deactivated, preserving communication reliability for essential devices while enabling the new device to activate successfully.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a communication function, including: receiving, at a mobile network operator, MNO, an activation request to enable a communication profile in a first user equipment, UE, wherein the communication profile is associated with a user, and wherein a maximum number of communication profiles associated with the user can be provided at the same time; determining, by the MNO, a number of communication profiles which are associated with the user and which are currently enabled; and if the number of communication profiles which are associated with the user and which are currently enabled is equal to the maximum number of communication profiles: disabling a communication profile associated with the user in a second UE; and enabling a communication profile associated with the user in the first UE.