SIM-Free Calling Through Local Network SIM Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with electronic devices lacking a subscriber identity module (SIM) card face inconvenience in making calls, as they need to replace the device or rely on devices with SIM cards to establish connections.

Innovation Solution

A communication method that enables devices without SIM cards to utilize SIM cards from other devices within the same local area network by displaying options for SIM card selection and initiating session requests to establish calls through devices with configured SIM cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user wants to make a call using an electronic device without a SIM card, then the user must replace the device or rely on another device with a SIM card, but this reduces convenience and increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of making callsVSAvoidneed to switch devices or use additional devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the calling functionality of multiple devices into a unified interface. The device without a SIM card can display dialing options and initiate calls by sending instructions to other devices in the local area network that have SIM cards configured, effectively combining the advantages of multiple devices into a single user experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device without a SIM card acts as an intermediary control interface. It displays the dialing options, receives user input, and sends dialing instructions to other devices that actually execute the call function through their SIM cards, serving as a mediator between the user and the actual calling devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices are used to provide SIM card options for dialing, then calling functionality is improved for devices without SIM cards, but network management and device coordination become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalling capability across different device typesVSAvoidnetwork coordination and device management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements multi-functionality where devices can serve different roles: some devices function as SIM card holders while others function as control interfaces. This universal design allows any device in the local area network to contribute to the calling functionality based on its capabilities, making the system adaptable to various device configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the local area network connection and pre-configuring the dialing options display before an actual call is needed. When a user wants to make a call, the interface is already prepared with available SIM card options, eliminating the need for real-time device discovery or configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4333478B1Communication method and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4333478B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4333478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4333478B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a communication method and an electronic device, and relates to the field of terminal technologies, to mitigate a problem of making a call by using a device without a card. A specific solution is as follows: A first device displays a first interface, where the first interface includes a plurality of dialing options and a first number, the plurality of dialing options include an option of a first SIM card and an option of a second SIM card, the first SIM card is configured in the second device, the second SIM card is configured in the third device, and the first device, the second device, and the third device belong to a same local area network; and in response to a first operation on the option of the first SIM card, the first device displays a second interface, and sends a dialing instruction to the second device to trigger the second device to send a session request to a fourth device, where a third SIM card corresponding to the first number is configured in the fourth device, and the second interface includes the first number.