Shared Provisioning eSIM Control for IMSI Collision Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices face issues with uniquely assigned provisioning SIM/eSIMs leading to interference and access denial due to shared use, necessitating mechanisms for dynamic management and configuration of non-unique provisioning SIM/eSIMs to facilitate connectivity with various cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
An on-device shared provisioning SIM/eSIM controller manages a non-unique SIM/eSIM, selecting an initial IMSI value from a pool based on criteria like geographic location, user preference, and OEM agreements, and dynamically reconfigures it to connect with different networks, resolving collisions and ensuring successful registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniquely assigned provisioning SIM/eSIMs are used, then each wireless device has dedicated connectivity, but interference and access denial occur when multiple devices share the same SIM/eSIM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic management of provisioning SIM/eSIMs by allowing the system to transition from static unique assignment to dynamic shared assignment. The controller dynamically selects IMSI values from pools, dynamically assigns SIM/eSIMs to devices based on current conditions, and dynamically resolves conflicts when multiple devices attempt to use the same SIM/eSIM simultaneously. This dynamic approach enables reliable connectivity while maintaining SIM/eSIM reusability across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of IMSI value assignment from fixed and unique to dynamic and shared. By allowing IMSI values to be selected from pools rather than assigned uniquely, and by enabling the system to change IMSI assignments based on current device states and network conditions, the system achieves both reliability in connectivity and versatility in SIM/eSIM reuse across different wireless devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shared provisioning SIM/eSIMs are used, then SIM/eSIM reusability increases, but conflicts and interference arise when multiple devices use the same SIM/eSIM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the status of provisioning SIM/eSIMs and the network environment. When conflicts or interference are detected (such as when multiple devices attempt to use the same SIM/eSIM simultaneously), the system receives feedback about the conflict condition and automatically adjusts by selecting different IMSI values or resolving the conflict through coordinated communication between devices and the network. This feedback loop enables high reusability while effectively managing and eliminating harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between multiple wireless devices and the shared provisioning SIM/eSIMs. This controller manages the assignment and coordination of SIM/eSIMs, acting as a mediator that prevents direct conflicts between devices. The controller selects appropriate IMSI values from pools, coordinates usage across multiple devices, and resolves conflicts before they cause interference or access denial, thereby enabling high SIM/eSIM reusability without the harmful effects of uncoordinated shared usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamically assigned provisioning SIM/eSIMs are used, then connectivity flexibility improves, but device complexity increases due to management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the wireless device's controller automatically manages the provisioning SIM/eSIM without requiring complex external intervention. The system self-selects IMSI values from pools, self-assigned to appropriate devices based on current conditions, and self-resolves conflicts through automated coordination. This self-service approach provides connectivity flexibility through dynamic assignment while minimizing the complexity burden by embedding the management functions within the device's own controller rather than requiring complex external management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
This application sets forth techniques for dynamically managing a shared provisioning electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) for a wireless device. A shared (non-unique) provisioning eSIM is installed in the wireless device to provide limited functionality connectivity to services, such as for device activation and user eSIM provisioning. The shared provisioning eSIM includes records of IMSI values organized into groups of IMSI pools and priorities for selecting IMSI values for configuring the shared provisioning eSIM. An on-device shared provisioning SIM/eSIM controller resident on a cellular baseband processor of the wireless device selects and configures the shared provisioning eSIM with IMSI values based on the priorities and on results from scanning for available public land mobile networks (PLMNs). The shared provisioning eSIM can be re-configured with different IMSI values selected from different IMSI pools until successful registration using the configured provisioning eSIM occurs or a maximum number or retries occurs.