Terminal Network Selection Using Third-Party Subscription Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing service obtaining methods for terminals are simplistic and lack flexibility in accessing and obtaining subscription services from networks without prior contracts.

Innovation Solution

A method for terminals to obtain subscription data from a second network, select and access a first network using the subscription data, and receive corresponding services, enabling dynamic service acquisition from third-party entities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terminal signs a contract with a network operator in advance to obtain services, then service reliability is ensured, but service adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidservice adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs preliminary actions by obtaining subscription data from multiple networks in advance, storing network selection policies and subscription information before actual service access is needed. This allows the terminal to quickly select and access services from appropriate networks without requiring advance contract signing, thus improving service adaptability while maintaining reliable service delivery through pre-validated network options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a terminal uses a simple service obtaining method with advance contracts, then device complexity is reduced, but service versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice obtaining complexityVSAvoidservice versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs self-service by autonomously obtaining subscription data from multiple networks, automatically selecting appropriate networks based on stored policies, and independently accessing services without requiring complex manual configuration or advance contract management. The terminal manages its own service acquisition process, reducing the need for complex external coordination while enabling versatile service access across multiple networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal accesses multiple networks for service diversity, then service versatility is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the service acquisition process into distinct functional modules: subscription data acquisition from multiple networks, network selection policy storage and management, network selection based on service requirements, and service access execution. This segmentation allows the terminal to handle multiple networks systematically through organized, manageable steps rather than complex simultaneous operations, reducing system complexity while maintaining service versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces subscription data and network selection policies as intermediary elements that mediate between the terminal and multiple networks. These intermediaries contain pre-configured service information and selection criteria, allowing the terminal to automatically determine which network to access for which service without requiring complex real-time decision-making or direct negotiation with each network, thus simplifying the overall system while enabling versatile multi-network access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4149173B1Service obtaining methods and communications device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4149173B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4149173B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4149173B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present application discloses a service obtaining method and apparatus, a communications device, and a readable storage medium, and belongs to the field of communications technologies. The service obtaining method applied to a terminal includes: obtaining subscription data from a second network; selecting a first network by using the subscription data, and accessing the first network; and obtaining a subscription service corresponding to the subscription data from the first network.