Single SIM Mobile Phone Connecting Multiple Carrier Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users who travel between multiple locations with different carriers face the challenge of being accessible with multiple local phone numbers, as standard mobile phones can only use a single local phone number issued by a carrier, requiring multiple phones or dual SIM cards with specialized hardware.

Innovation Solution

A mobile phone device with a single SIM card can connect to multiple carrier networks by using the Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) core of each carrier, allowing it to receive and make calls using multiple local phone numbers without roaming, by establishing connections with both carrier networks simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user carries multiple mobile phones to use multiple local phone numbers in different countries, then the user can be accessible with multiple local numbers, but the device complexity and portability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility with multiple local phone numbersVSAvoidcarrying multiple phones

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple carrier network connections and multiple local phone numbers into a single mobile phone device. The system merges the functionality of multiple phones into one device by establishing simultaneous connections to multiple carrier networks through a single SIM card, allowing the user to access multiple local numbers without carrying multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile phone device is designed to perform multiple functions by connecting to multiple carrier networks simultaneously. A single device provides universal accessibility across different geographic areas and carrier networks, enabling the user to make and receive calls using multiple local phone numbers from one phone rather than requiring specialized devices for each carrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual SIM cards are used to communicate with two different local numbers, then the user can use two local numbers, but specialized hardware is required and roaming must be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication with two local numbersVSAvoidspecialized dual SIM hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a virtual copy or simulation approach where a single SIM card virtually accesses multiple carrier networks simultaneously. Instead of requiring physical dual SIM hardware, the system creates a virtual representation of multiple carrier connections through software-based network selection and authentication mechanisms, allowing the single SIM card to function as multiple SIM cards would.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware solution (dual SIM card slots and specialized dual SIM hardware) with a software-based system. The mobile phone uses software-controlled network selection, authentication, and connection management to access multiple carrier networks, substituting physical hardware complexity with software-based multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a user roams with a primary mobile phone to be accessible by a primary local number in a foreign country, then the user can maintain one local number, but call rates increase and service quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility with primary local numberVSAvoidcall quality and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic carrier selection where the mobile phone can automatically or manually switch between different carrier networks based on the user's current location and service requirements. The system dynamically manages connections to multiple carriers, allowing the user to optimize for local calling rates and service quality by selecting the appropriate carrier for each geographic area without roaming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If standard mobile phones are used with a single SIM card, then the device is simple and widely compatible, but the user can only use one local phone number at a time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle SIM card simplicityVSAvoidnumber of local phone numbers

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension to the single SIM card functionality by enabling simultaneous logical connections to multiple carrier networks. Instead of requiring multiple physical SIM cards, the system creates an additional layer of network connectivity where a single SIM card can establish multiple logical connections to different carriers, effectively multiplying the number of accessible local phone numbers without increasing physical hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8909224B2Connecting device via multiple carriers

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A user device establishes a first connection with a first carrier network of a first carrier. The first carrier issues a first phone number used by the user device. The user device further establishes a second connection with a second carrier network of a second carrier. The second carrier issues a second phone number used by the user device. The user device receives a notification about a call from the first carrier network while connected to the first carrier network and the second carrier network.