SIM Module Automatic Test Profile Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for conducting final quality control tests on devices with embedded SIM cards are complex and costly, especially when the SIM card is soldered or difficult to access, requiring special equipment and lengthy procedures.

Innovation Solution

A subscriber identity module (SIM) with a test profile that can be automatically selected based on predefined location information, allowing for the execution of final quality control tests without the need for physical intervention or complex logistics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated network test equipment with a specific SIM card is used for final quality control tests, then the testing capability is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to soldered or embedded SIM cards requiring disassembly and special equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidoperational difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The SIM card itself performs the testing function by detecting location information and automatically selecting between test and mobile network profiles. The SIM card serves itself to enable quality control testing without requiring external test equipment or manual intervention, thereby resolving the contradiction between testing capability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The SIM card is designed with multi-functionality, containing both a test profile and a mobile network profile, and can automatically switch between them based on location detection. This universal design allows the same SIM card to serve both testing and normal operational purposes, eliminating the need for separate test equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If remote provisioning of a specific test profile on multi-profile SIM cards is used, then the testing flexibility is improved, but the logistics and infrastructure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting flexibilityVSAvoidlogistics and infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both the test profile and mobile network profile are pre-loaded onto the SIM card during manufacturing. The SIM card contains all necessary testing capabilities in advance, eliminating the need for complex remote provisioning infrastructure and logistics while maintaining testing flexibility through automatic profile selection based on location detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4018632B1Test mode for SIM module with automatic test environment detection

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 THALES DIS FRANCE SA

Figure 1

AI summary

A subscriber identity module (1) comprising a test profile (2), this test profile (2) being intended to include data enabling, when the subscriber identity module (1) is included in a device (10), the execution of a final quality control test on the device (10), the subscriber identity module (1) further comprising a profile selector (6) configured, when a location information provided to the subscriber identity module (1) includes a predefined triggering information, to select the test profile (2).