Single SIM with Multiple IMSI for Roaming Cost Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of wireless devices face inconvenience and high costs due to restrictions on call tariffs and network access when roaming, as existing solutions require multiple SIMs or devices, which are cumbersome and costly.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device with a single SIM and an application module that switches between local and roaming SIM sub-modules, allowing users to manually or automatically select the most cost-effective network for outgoing calls and maintain flexibility in network choice.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users use multiple separate SIMs or devices to access different network operators, then network choice flexibility and cost-effectiveness improve, but device complexity and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork choice flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple SIM card functionality into a single SIM card by incorporating multiple IMSI associates (local IMSI and roaming IMSI) within one SIM card. This allows the wireless device to access both local and roaming network operators using a single SIM card, eliminating the need for multiple physical SIMs or devices while maintaining network choice flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SIM card is designed with multi-functionality by including multiple IMSI associates that can be selectively activated. The local IMSI associate enables access to local network operators, while the roaming IMSI associate enables access to home network operators when roaming. This universal design allows one SIM card to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate SIMs or devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users physically swap SIM cards between local and roaming operators, then cost-effectiveness improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple SIM card functionalities into a single SIM card with multiple IMSI associates, the patent eliminates the need for physical SIM card swapping. The wireless device can electronically switch between the local IMSI and roaming IMSI associates, maintaining cost-effectiveness while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically removing and inserting SIM cards with an electronic switching mechanism. The wireless device's control unit can electronically select between different IMSI associates stored in the single SIM card, eliminating the manual physical swapping process while maintaining access to both local and roaming networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If users keep multiple mobile telephones for different countries, then network access flexibility improves, but loss of substance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access flexibilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple mobile telephones (each with separate SIMs for different countries) into a single wireless device with a single SIM card containing multiple IMSI associates. This consolidation maintains network access flexibility for both local and roaming operations while eliminating the need to purchase and maintain multiple separate devices, thereby reducing overall cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single SIM card with multiple IMSI associates provides universal access to both local and home network operators, making one wireless device sufficient for both domestic and international use. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for country-specific devices while maintaining the network access flexibility previously achieved through multiple telephones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9532208B2Method of and apparatus for interfacing and connecting a wireless device and a wireless network using a subscriber identity module having plural IMSI associates with different network operators

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 SHINGLETOP IP LLC

AI summary

A wireless device includes a single SIM, plus an application module adapted to enable the device to operate as though it included two or more different SIMs. The module, referred to as a ‘proprietary applications module’ (PAM) is connected to, or built into, a wireless device (WD). The PAM is capable of switching all incoming traffic by associating the WD to one specific subscriber identity sub-module, referred to as “Local SIM” (LS). It can also switch or re-route all outgoing traffic by associating the same WD with a different subscriber identity sub-module, typically a “Roaming SIM” (RS). In a preferred embodiment, the PAM, RS and LS are built-into a single SIM for use in a WD; alternatively the PAM is built-into a WD and the RS and LS are built-into the single SIM.