Multi-SIM Device Auto Configuration via SIM Parameter Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face significant challenges in developing and manufacturing multiple hardware and software variants of mobile devices to accommodate different geographic regions and service providers, due to varying RF bands, modem standards, and configuration requirements.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enables user equipment (UE) to automatically configure hardware, modem, and applications based on parameters stored on subscriber identity modules (SIMs), allowing for region-specific, service provider-specific, and device-specific settings to be applied dynamically, reducing the need for multiple device variants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If OEMs develop and manufacture multiple hardware and software variants to accommodate different regions and service providers, then the device can operate in multiple geographic regions and with multiple service providers, but the device complexity and manufacturing resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibility across regions and service providersVSAvoidnumber of hardware and software variants

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal device architecture that can adapt to multiple regions and service providers through a single hardware platform. The configuration system allows one device to perform multiple regional and provider-specific functions by dynamically loading appropriate configuration parameters from SIM cards, eliminating the need for separate hardware variants for each market.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on SIM card detection. When a SIM card is inserted, the system reads region-specific and provider-specific parameters from the SIM and reconfigures the device accordingly, allowing the same hardware to operate with different RF bands, modem standards, and application settings without physical modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If OEMs develop and manufacture multiple hardware and software variants to accommodate different regions and service providers, then the device can operate in multiple geographic regions and with multiple service providers, but the time and resources required for design, implementation, and manufacturing increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibility across regions and service providersVSAvoiddesign and manufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating physical copies of hardware variants for each region, the system creates virtual copies of configuration settings stored on SIM cards. The SIM card contains copied configuration data that replicates the behavior of region-specific devices, allowing the same physical device to emulate multiple regional variants through software configuration alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration parameters are pre-loaded onto SIM cards during service provider provisioning, before the device is deployed. This preliminary preparation of configuration data on the SIM card eliminates the need for time-consuming post-manufacturing configuration processes and enables rapid device deployment across different markets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple hardware and software variants are manufactured for different regions, then proper operational settings can be provided for each region, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational settings accuracy for each regionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts region-specific and provider-specific configuration data from the device firmware and relocates it to the SIM card. This separation allows the main device to remain a simple, universal platform while the extracted configuration parameters are stored externally on the SIM card, simplifying the manufacturing process without compromising operational accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10158988B2Multi-SIM based device auto configuration system and process

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for configuring a user equipment (“UE”). The UE stores a plurality of configuration routines and receives at least one subscriber identity module (SIM). The UE selects a target set of configuration routines from the plurality of configuration routines based, at least in part, on at least one parameter value stored on one of the at least one SIMs, the target set of configuration routines comprising at least one of the plurality of configuration routines. The target set of configuration routines includes some, but not all of the plurality of configuration routines stored by the UE. At least one setting of the UE is then configured based, at least in part, on the target set of configuration routines.