Multi-SIM Data Connection Prioritization via Shared Network Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication devices with multiple subscriber identities face inefficiencies due to independent operation of parallel hardware and software systems, leading to duplicated functions in network connection management, which hinders cooperation and synergy between them.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow a wireless communication device to prioritize data connections using multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs/eSIMs) based on user preferences, signal strength, and network capabilities, enabling cooperation between hardware and software to optimize data connections across different wireless networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If parallel hardware and software systems are used for multiple SIMs, then each SIM can operate independently, but task duplication and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the network selection and connection management functions for multiple SIMs into a single shared software module. This allows multiple SIMs to operate independently while sharing common infrastructure for network management, thereby reducing task duplication and lowering power consumption compared to fully parallel systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal network management architecture where a single software module handles connection management for multiple SIMs. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated management systems for each SIM, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining independent operation capabilities.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If parallel hardware and software systems are used for multiple SIMs, then each SIM can operate independently, but task duplication occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidtask duplication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines network selection and connection management tasks into a shared software module that serves multiple SIMs. This merging eliminates redundant task execution while preserving the ability of each SIM to operate independently, thereby improving overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a copy-based approach where a single network management software module is replicated or shared across multiple SIM contexts. This allows the system to handle multiple SIMs efficiently without creating fully independent parallel management systems, reducing task duplication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If user-configurable prioritization is implemented, then connection management flexibility improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection management flexibilityVSAvoidprioritization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements user-configurable prioritization rules in advance, allowing users to pre-define preferences for different SIMs and network conditions. This preliminary configuration simplifies real-time connection management decisions, reducing the apparent system complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic prioritization where connection management preferences can be adjusted based on current network conditions and user needs. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing circumstances without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, balancing flexibility with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10524177B2Methods and apparatus to manage data connections for multiple subscriber identities in a wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2019.12.31 APPLE INC
  • US10524177B2 patent drawing
  • US10524177B2 patent drawing
  • US10524177B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus and methods to manage data connections to multiple wireless networks in a wireless communication device supporting multiple subscriber identities via multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) are disclosed. A representative method includes detecting an application request to establish a data connection; obtaining a preference for prioritization of data connections for the multiple SIMs; and based on the preference, establishing the data connection with a wireless network associated with one of the multiple SIMs. In representative embodiments, the preference is based on a user specified or default prioritization of the multiple SIMs, an order of radio access technologies (RATs), one or more quality metrics, data rates supported, and/or availability of wireless local area networks for the data connections.