Multi-SIM Wireless Device Connection State Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication devices with multiple SIMs face challenges in optimizing resource allocation and prioritization, leading to potential interruptions in connections due to limited receiving paths, especially when multiple SIMs require high activity simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines a priority list for SIMs based on the device's position, allowing for automatic prioritization and connection state changes to manage conflicting radio resource needs, such as switching a lower-priority SIM to a dormant or idle state to free up resources for higher-priority SIMs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SIMs are supported simultaneously in a wireless communication device, then the device can maintain connections to multiple networks, but the limited receiving paths cause resource conflicts and connection interruptions when multiple SIMs require high activity simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMultiple SIM supportVSAvoidConnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connection state management where SIMs can transition between different connection states (active, idle, dormant) based on real-time conditions. The network node receives indication information about the first connection state of the first SIM and the second connection state of the second SIM, then dynamically determines whether to send downlink data to the first SIM based on these states, allowing the system to adapt resource allocation to changing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection state parameters of SIMs to resolve resource conflicts. By transitioning SIMs between active, idle, and dormant states, the system can control resource consumption dynamically. When resource conflicts are detected, the network node can change the connection state parameter of a SIM from active to idle or dormant, thereby resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple SIMs and maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple receiving paths are allocated to multiple SIMs, then each SIM can maintain high activity connections, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConnection activityVSAvoidReceiving paths
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the receiving paths universal by allowing them to serve multiple SIMs dynamically rather than dedicating specific receiving paths to specific SIMs. The network node determines resource allocation based on the connection states of multiple SIMs and allocates receiving paths flexibly, enabling one receiving path to serve different SIMs at different times based on their activity requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the allocation of receiving paths based on real-time connection states. When a SIM transitions from active to idle or dormant state, its allocated receiving paths can be reallocated to other active SIMs. This dynamic resource sharing allows the device to support multiple high-activity connections without proportionally increasing the number of physical receiving paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual priority settings are implemented for multiple SIMs, then resource allocation can be optimized, but the ease of operation decreases due to required manual configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveResource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidManual configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service priority management where the network node automatically determines the priority of different SIMs based on their connection states and service requirements. The system autonomously decides which SIM receives downlink data when resource conflicts occur, without requiring manual user configuration. The network node receives indication information about connection states and automatically makes allocation decisions, enabling the system to optimize resource allocation while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from connection state indication information to automatically adjust resource allocation priorities. The network node receives feedback about the connection states of multiple SIMs and uses this information to dynamically determine priority and allocate resources accordingly. This feedback-driven automatic priority management eliminates the need for manual configuration while maintaining optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3476178B1Communication device and method therein for connection management in wireless communication network.
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3476178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476178B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476178B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless communication device (140) and method therein for managing connection states in a wireless communication system (100) are disclosed. The wireless communication device (140) comprises at least two Subscriber Identity Modules, SIMs, in which a first SIM is associated to a first original connection state towards a first network node (111), a second SIM is associated to a second original connection state towards a second network node (121). The wireless communication device (140) obtains a position of the wireless communication device (140) and determines a priority list for the at least two SIMs based on the obtained position. The wireless communication device (140) further determines whether the respective connection states of the first and second SIMs have conflicting needs in radio resources. When the respective connection states of the first and second SIMs have conflicting needs in radio resources, the wireless communication device (140) performs a connection state change for the SIM that has lower priority from its original connection state to a third connection state.