Remote Subscriber Identification Module Configuration via Central Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for configuring subscriber identification modules require frequent software adaptations or reinstallation due to changes in software or errors, leading to high costs and uncertainty about correct installation, which can result in incorrect configurations and unnecessary service calls.

Innovation Solution

A system where a client with a reading and writing device is connected to a configuration device via a network, allowing remote access to the subscriber identification module, with the program logic for configuration contained in the central configuration device, enabling easier and more reliable adaptation without needing to change the reading and writing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If software is installed locally on each computer for configuring subscriber identification modules, then configuration functionality is available at each location, but software adaptations require reinstallation in each computer which is costly and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration functionality availabilityVSAvoidsoftware adaptation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A central configuration server is introduced as an intermediary between users and the configuration functionality. The server hosts the configuration software and database centrally, allowing multiple clients to access configuration services without having local installations. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through network access while eliminating the complexity of distributed software updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of distributing and updating software on each local computer, the invention uses a central server that maintains a single copy of the configuration software and database. Clients access this centralized copy via network connections, allowing updates to be made once on the server rather than replicated across multiple machines. This eliminates software adaptation complexity while preserving configuration functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If configuration software is updated to fix errors or add new functions, then configuration accuracy improves, but reinstallation in each computer is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsoftware reinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The central configuration server acts as an intermediary that maintains the authoritative version of configuration software and database. When updates are needed for reliability, they are applied once on the server rather than distributed to multiple clients. This eliminates time-consuming reinstallation while ensuring all users access the updated, accurate configuration data through the server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the configuration software and database into a single centralized location on the configuration server, rather than distributing them across multiple computers. This consolidation allows updates to be made in one place and immediately available to all users, eliminating the time loss associated with distributed software updates while improving configuration reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If reading and writing device is adapted for each software change, then configuration functionality remains current, but adaptation effort increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware update capabilityVSAvoidsoftware adaptation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The central configuration server serves as an intermediary that absorbs all software adaptation effort. Instead of adapting reading and writing devices at each client location, all software changes are made once on the server. Clients simply access the updated server, maintaining adaptability while dramatically reducing adaptation effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a centralized copy of the configuration software on the server that serves all clients. When software needs to be adapted for new functions or error fixes, the change is made once on the server and automatically available to all users. This eliminates the need to adapt devices at each location, reducing adaptation effort while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If configuration is performed locally without central control, then user autonomy is maintained, but error-free installation cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser autonomyVSAvoidinstallation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The central configuration server acts as an intermediary that provides controlled access to configuration functionality. Users maintain autonomy by being able to access and use the configuration system, but the server enforces correct procedures and provides feedback about installation status. This resolves the contradiction by preserving user autonomy while ensuring reliability through centralized validation and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration server implements feedback mechanisms that monitor and report on installation correctness to users. When users perform configuration operations, the server validates the actions and provides feedback about whether installations were successful. This maintains user autonomy while ensuring reliability by guiding users through correct procedures and alerting them to any errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP1953997B1System for configuring a participant identification module
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP1953997B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The system (10) has a reading and writing device (22) enabling read accesses and write accesses on a participant identification module, where read data of the identification module is evaluated in a configuration device (14). The writing device is contained in a client (12), which is connectable with the configuration device over a network (16) e.g. internet. The read accesses and the write accesses of the configuration device are producible on the identification module over the network, where the reading and/or write accesses of the client are influenceable.