Removable Memory for Radio Information Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices lose stored network parameters when a SIM card is removed and reinstalled in a different device, leading to inefficient network scanning and registration processes.

Innovation Solution

A mobile station with a removable memory distinct from the identity module (RMDISRI) stores radio information, allowing the device to use and update this information even when the SIM is changed, thereby facilitating efficient network scanning and registration by utilizing pre-stored data such as last RAT, EF-NETPAR, UMTS frequencies, and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network parameters are stored on the SIM card, then the information is securely associated with the subscriber identity, but the parameters are lost when the SIM is removed or changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork parameter retentionVSAvoidSIM card portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage of network parameters from the SIM card by introducing a separate non-volatile memory location within the mobile device. This allows the system to maintain subscriber identity information on the SIM card while storing network parameters independently in device memory, resolving the conflict between parameter retention and SIM portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces device memory as an intermediary storage medium between the SIM card and the network scanning process. This intermediary allows the system to cache network parameters locally, enabling the mobile device to retain network information even when the SIM card is changed or removed, thus maintaining parameter reliability while supporting SIM versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the mobile device performs comprehensive network scanning, then it can find available networks, but the process consumes excessive time and battery power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork registration successVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by storing network parameters in advance in non-volatile device memory before network scanning is needed. The mobile device retrieves pre-stored network parameters from memory rather than performing comprehensive scanning, significantly reducing the time and energy required for network registration while maintaining reliable network connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of network scanning by using pre-stored frequency and network information from device memory to guide the scanning process. Instead of scanning all possible frequencies and networks, the device focuses scanning on specific parameters retrieved from memory, reducing scanning duration and battery consumption while ensuring successful network registration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile device scans all networks and frequencies, then it ensures complete coverage, but the scanning time and battery consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork scanning duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-storing compatible network parameters in device memory based on the subscriber's profile and historical data. When network scanning is required, the device retrieves these pre-filtered parameters from memory, allowing it to scan only relevant networks and frequencies rather than performing exhaustive scanning, thus maintaining network compatibility while dramatically reducing scanning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the scanning parameters by using stored network information to define a focused scan scope. Instead of scanning all possible networks and frequencies, the device adjusts scanning parameters to target specific frequencies and networks retrieved from memory, achieving adequate network coverage with significantly reduced scanning duration and improved efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2490468B1Storage of radio information on a removable memory
Publication Date: 2017.04.05 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2490468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2490468B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2490468B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A mobile device and method are provided that make use of a removable memory with stored radio information. The removable device is distinct from an identity module (such as a SIM or USIM). The mobile device updates the stored radio information and makes use of it. When a user switches SIMs, but keeps the removable memory, the radio information will still be available. The user can also switch the removable memory to another device containing a different SIM, or containing the same SIM as the previous device, and the stored information will again be available on the new device.