Subscriber Identity Module Automatic IMSI Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile telecommunications systems are inefficient in managing identities when users travel, leading to high roaming charges due to the need for multiple SIM cards and complex user interactions, with existing solutions either cumbersome or prone to errors in network selection.
Innovation Solution
A method and subscriber identity module that detect Mobile Country Code and Mobile Network Code parameters to automatically select and modify the active identity in the mobile device, using an identity database to ensure reliable and efficient identity management, allowing seamless network transitions without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple SIM cards are purchased for different territories, then roaming charges are reduced, but device complexity and user operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple SIM card identities into a single SIM card by storing multiple IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) values in the SIM's memory. The system automatically selects and switches between different IMSIs based on the detected mobile network, eliminating the need for users to physically swap between multiple SIM cards while maintaining the ability to avoid roaming charges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different IMSI identities based on real-time detection of the mobile network environment. When the device detects a change in network operator or country code, it automatically selects the appropriate IMSI from its stored identities and switches to that identity, making the SIM card adaptive to different territorial contexts without user intervention.
2Loss of energy
If manual SIM swapping is performed for each territory, then roaming charges are avoided, but user operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting the current mobile network environment and selecting the appropriate IMSI identity without requiring user intervention. The SIM card monitors network parameters such as Mobile Country Code (MCC) and Mobile Network Code (MNC), and autonomously switches identities to optimize roaming charges, freeing the user from manual SIM swapping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors feedback from the mobile network environment (network operator, country code, signal strength) and uses this information to automatically adjust the selected IMSI identity. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the device always uses the most appropriate identity for the current territorial context, eliminating the need for manual user decisions about which SIM to use.
3Reliability
If the device remains attached to a foreign network, then network connectivity is maintained, but roaming charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the IMSI identity based on the detected network environment. When the device detects it is attached to a foreign network (different MCC or MNC), it automatically switches to a local SIM identity that corresponds to that territory, thereby maintaining reliable network connectivity while avoiding roaming charges by appearing as a local subscriber.
4Ease of operation
If automatic identity switching is implemented, then user operation is simplified, but reliability may be compromised due to automated selection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic identity switching system uses continuous feedback from network parameters (MCC, MNC, signal strength) to verify and adjust identity selection. The system monitors the effectiveness of each identity switch and can detect if an automatic selection results in poor network performance, allowing it to correct errors and maintain reliable network attachment while preserving the benefits of automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of managing identities for use in a mobile telecommunications device in a telecommunications network has the following features. The identity management process is triggered and one or more parameters of a currently available mobile telecommunications network detected. An identity database is searched - each record in the identity database comprises an identity and additional identity information for each identity. The additional identity information includes the one or more parameters. The identity management process involves selecting an identity when a first record comprising the one or more parameters detected is found in said searching and modifying an active identity of the mobile telecommunications device to be the selected identity when the active identity is not already the selected identity. This process can be carried out by a subscriber information module of a mobile telecommunications device.