Multi-SIM Terminal Time Slot Allocation for Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication terminals face challenges in maintaining connections to multiple wireless communication networks simultaneously due to the use of a single communication module for handling calls, leading to terminated connections with other networks during active calls.
Innovation Solution
A communication terminal with a single communication module and multiple Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) cards, allowing for simultaneous connections to multiple networks by allocating separate time slots for each network and detecting user input to switch between call modes, while estimating and removing echo components caused by time delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single communication module is used to connect to multiple communication networks, then device complexity is reduced, but the terminal cannot maintain connections to other networks when a call is active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication time into distinct time slots, allocating specific time slots to different communication networks. This allows a single communication module to serve multiple networks by dividing its operational time, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining connections to multiple networks through time-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between different communication networks using time slots. The communication module periodically connects to different networks in a cyclic manner, enabling multi-network connectivity with a single module. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by maintaining connection availability across networks without requiring simultaneous active connections.
2Reliability
If multiple communication modules are used to maintain connections to multiple networks simultaneously, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single communication module universal by enabling it to communicate with multiple different networks through time-division multiplexing. The module is configured to handle different communication protocols and network types sequentially, thus achieving multi-network connectivity without requiring multiple specialized modules, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (using multiple modules simultaneously) to temporal multiplexing (using one module at different times). By adding the time dimension to the communication architecture, the system achieves multi-network connectivity with a single module, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time slots are allocated for multiple networks using a single communication module, then multi-network connectivity is achieved, but echo components arise due to time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful echo effect into a detectable and correctable issue. By identifying that echo components arise from time delays in time-slot-based communication, the system implements echo cancellation mechanisms that use the known time delay characteristics to predict and remove echo components, thus transforming the harmful effect into a manageable parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms to detect and cancel echo components. The system monitors the communication signal for echo characteristics, identifies the time delay patterns caused by time-slot allocation, and applies corrective feedback to remove the echo components, thereby maintaining clear communication while preserving multi-network connectivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for communication in a communication terminal having a single communication module and at least two Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards is provided. The method includes performing a first call mode when a call is connected through a first base station in a standby mode by using the communication module and a first SIM card through a first time slot in each frame allocated by the first base station, and performing, when a second call is connected through a second base station while performing the first call mode, a second call mode using the communication module and a second SIM card through a second time slot in each frame allocated by the second base station, the second time slot being spaced apart from the first time slot.