Parallel Wireless Protocol Stacks for Multi-SIM Resource Sharing

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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 wireless communication device is designed with a single baseband processor hosting parallel wireless cellular protocol software stacks interconnected by a software or hardware interface, allowing these stacks to share resources and divide mobility management tasks, enabling cooperation and synergy between multiple subscriber identities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If parallel hardware and software systems are used for multiple subscriber identities, then each UICC/SIM can operate independently, but task duplication occurs in network connection management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidtask duplication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges previously independent parallel hardware and software systems into a unified architecture where multiple wireless cellular protocol software stacks share common hardware resources. The baseband processor hosts multiple protocol stacks that can cooperate through defined interfaces, eliminating redundant task duplication while maintaining independent operation capabilities for multiple subscriber identities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal hardware platform that can serve multiple subscriber identities simultaneously. The single baseband processor and shared radio frequency circuitry are designed to handle multiple wireless cellular protocol software stacks, allowing the same hardware resources to be universally utilized across different SIM cards and network connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If parallel hardware systems are used for multiple subscriber identities, then each system operates independently, but power efficiency decreases due to duplicated functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-identity supportVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent hardware systems into a shared architecture where power-consuming components like the baseband processor and radio frequency circuitry are共用 among multiple subscriber identities. This merging eliminates redundant power consumption from duplicated functions while maintaining the ability to support multiple identities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If independent parallel systems are used, then each UICC/SIM operates autonomously, but information gathering speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidinformation gathering speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the information gathering tasks among multiple wireless cellular protocol software stacks running on a shared baseband processor. Each protocol stack can independently gather information for its associated subscriber identity, while the shared hardware architecture enables parallel processing that accelerates overall information gathering compared to sequential independent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If parallel hardware and software are used for multiple subscriber identities, then flexible network access is enabled, but connection stability is compromised due to lack of cooperation between systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access flexibilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary communication interfaces between multiple wireless cellular protocol software stacks that run on a shared baseband processor. These intermediaries enable coordinated information exchange and cooperative operation, allowing the system to maintain flexible multi-network access while ensuring connection stability through inter-stack communication and resource coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10687298B2Methods and apparatus to support parallel communication for multiple subscriber identities in a wireless communication device

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 APPLE INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods to support parallel communication using multiple subscriber identities in a wireless communication device via multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) are disclosed. A representative method includes establishing a connection with a first wireless network via a first wireless cellular protocol software stack for a first subscriber identity associated with a first subscriber identity module; registering with a second wireless network via a second wireless cellular protocol software stack for a second subscriber identity associated with a second subscriber identity module; and receiving radio frequency signals from the second wireless network via the second wireless cellular protocol software stack in parallel with communicating with the first wireless network via the first wireless cellular protocol software stack. The first and second wireless cellular protocol software stacks share at least a portion of radio frequency wireless circuitry for communicating with the first and second wireless network respectively.