Multi-SIM System Selection Using Second SIM Cell Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-SIM wireless devices face challenges in efficiently performing system selection, particularly in scenarios where broad scans are required, leading to delayed service acquisition.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device uses information from a second SIM, such as serving cell and neighbor cell data, to facilitate targeted system selection for the first SIM, potentially reducing the need for broader scans and improving service acquisition speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-SIM device performs a broad scan for system selection, then the coverage and options for service acquisition are improved, but the time required for service acquisition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice acquisition optionsVSAvoidservice acquisition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the second SIM perform system selection and obtain serving cell information in advance before the first SIM needs service. This pre-acquired information (serving cell ID, frequency, PLMN) is then reused by the first SIM, eliminating the need for a time-consuming broad scan and directly resolving the contradiction between comprehensive service options and acquisition time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by having the first SIM replicate the system selection process of the second SIM. Instead of performing an independent comprehensive scan, the first SIM copies the serving cell information obtained by the second SIM and uses it for its own system selection, thereby reducing time while maintaining service acquisition capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Speed

If a multi-SIM device performs a targeted scan using second SIM information, then the service acquisition speed is improved, but the coverage and exploration of available systems may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice acquisition speedVSAvoidsystem selection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using the second SIM's system selection results as input information for the first SIM's system selection. The feedback loop involves the second SIM acquiring serving cell information, which then feeds back to guide the first SIM's targeted scan, creating an efficient feedback-driven selection process that balances speed and coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the system selection process to local conditions. Instead of a uniform broad scan, the first SIM performs a targeted scan focused on specific cells and frequencies identified by the second SIM's previous selection, adapting the search strategy to the local service environment for optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If a multi-SIM device shares information between SIMs for system selection, then the overall efficiency is improved, but the complexity of coordinating between SIMs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem selection efficiencyVSAvoidSIM coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the system selection functions of multiple SIMs into a coordinated process. The second SIM's system selection results are merged with the first SIM's selection requirements, creating a unified approach that leverages available information across SIMs to improve overall efficiency while managing coordination complexity through structured information sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a system where any SIM can perform system selection and share its results with other SIMs. This multi-functional approach allows the device to leverage the system selection capabilities of all SIMs for mutual benefit, improving overall productivity through shared intelligence rather than isolated operations.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9967808B2System selection for multi-SIM devices
Publication Date: 2018.05.08 APPLE INC
  • US9967808B2 patent drawing
  • US9967808B2 patent drawing
  • US9967808B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for multi-SIM user equipment (UE) devices to perform system selection. A UE may determine to perform system selection for a first SIM of the UE. Information, such as serving cell and/or neighboring cell information, may be obtained from a second SIM of the UE. System selection for the first SIM may be performed based at least in part on the information obtained from the second SIM.