Multiple Subscription SIM Card Region Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SIM cards require multiple stock keeping units (SKUs) for different service regions, leading to inefficiencies for service providers and retailers who need to maintain and stock various SIMs for different markets, as subscription information is tied to specific regions.
Innovation Solution
A multiple subscription SIM card with stored sets of subscription parameters that can be selected and activated based on criteria such as service regions, allowing a single SIM SKU to be used across different markets, with options for manual or automatic selection of the appropriate set of parameters via a software interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple SIM SKUs are maintained for different service regions, then subscription information can be properly tied to specific regions, but device complexity and inventory management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple region-specific subscription parameter sets into a single SIM card. The SIM card stores multiple sets of subscription parameters (each set corresponding to a different service region) in its memory, allowing one SIM card to replace what would traditionally require multiple different SIM cards. This merging eliminates the need for retailers and users to manage multiple SIM SKUs while maintaining the ability to provide region-appropriate subscription information.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card is designed with multi-functionality to operate across different service regions. By storing multiple sets of subscription parameters and enabling selection based on the current service region, the single SIM card becomes universal and can function in multiple locations without requiring region-specific variants. This universality simplifies inventory management while maintaining reliable region-specific service.
2Ease of operation
If a single SIM SKU is used for all regions, then inventory management is simplified, but the ability to provide region-specific subscription information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The SIM card incorporates dynamic capability to adapt its subscription parameters based on the detected service region. The system includes logic to automatically select the appropriate set of subscription parameters from the multiple stored sets based on signals from the wireless network or user input. This dynamic adaptation allows the single SIM card to provide region-specific service information while maintaining simplified inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to determine which region-specific subscription parameters to activate. The SIM card detects information about the current service region (through network signals or user input) and uses this feedback to select and activate the appropriate subscription parameter set from its stored sets. This feedback loop enables the single SIM card to adapt to different regions and provide appropriate service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of subscription parameters are stored on a single SIM card, then region-specific service is enabled, but memory requirements and card complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The subscription parameters are segmented into multiple distinct sets, with each set corresponding to a different service region. Rather than storing all parameters in a single undifferentiated structure, the SIM card organizes parameters into separate, identifiable sets that can be independently selected and activated. This segmentation allows efficient use of memory by only loading and processing the relevant parameter set for the current region, rather than maintaining all parameters simultaneously active.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include a multiple subscription subscriber identity module (SIM) card. The SIM card includes a plurality of sets of subscription parameters from which to select and activate a single set of parameters. The sets of subscription parameters each contain various information, e.g., information such as an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) and an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and are based on various criteria, e.g., different service regions of use for the electronic device on which the SIM card is installed. A set of subscription parameters is selected for a particular region of use either manually or automatically. The SIM card, which can include a software interface that provides a list of available sets of subscription parameters, is activated by updating the selected set of subscription parameters. Alternatively, a default set of subscription parameters is selected unless a different set of subscription parameters is selected manually from among the plurality of sets of subscription parameters. According to alternative embodiments of the invention, the selected set of subscription parameters can be deactivated and a different set of subscription parameters can be selected and updated to in the SIM card.