Test Device Selective SIM Communication Path

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test systems for mobile telephony networks lack flexibility in simulating and testing transmission procedures, particularly in using SIM data, as they often require data communication to go through a SIM simulation processor, limiting the ability to isolate its influence and accommodate incompatible SIM cards.

Innovation Solution

A test device that allows selective communication between a mobile telephone and a physical SIM card, with a switchable connection for direct data communication, monitoring, emulation, and compatibility modules to enhance flexibility, and the option to supply the SIM card via the mobile telephone or an external voltage source, enabling the use of various voltage levels and incompatible SIM cards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data communication runs via the SIM simulation processor, then the test process can be carried out with SIM simulation, but the influence of the SIM simulation processor on data communication cannot be isolated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of test processVSAvoidisolation of SIM simulation processor influence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data communication path into two independent routes: one through the SIM simulation processor and another directly through the physical SIM card. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and eliminate the influence of the SIM simulation processor by selecting the direct communication path, while maintaining the flexibility to use simulation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a switchable connection as an intermediary element that can be controlled to redirect data communication. This intermediary allows the system to choose between routing through the SIM simulation processor or establishing direct communication with the physical SIM card, enabling isolation of the processor's influence when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If direct data communication between mobile telephone and physical SIM card is enabled, then the influence of SIM simulation processor is ruled out, but the ability to use SIM simulation for testing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation of SIM simulation processor influenceVSAvoidflexibility of test process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic, switchable connection that can adapt between different communication modes. The system can dynamically switch between routing data communication through the SIM simulation processor or establishing direct communication with the physical SIM card, depending on the test requirements. This dynamic capability maintains both isolation capability and simulation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If physical SIM card is supplied via mobile telephone voltage source, then no additional voltage source is needed, but incompatible SIM cards with different voltage levels cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage supply configurationVSAvoidcompatibility with various SIM cards

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal voltage supply system that can accommodate multiple voltage levels through a single integrated design. The system includes a voltage source that can be selectively connected to the SIM card, with the capability to provide different voltage levels (e.g., 3.3V, 5V) depending on the SIM card requirements. This multi-functional voltage supply eliminates the need for additional external voltage sources while maintaining compatibility with various SIM card types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If switchable connection for direct data communication is implemented, then error detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidconnection configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service monitoring module that automatically monitors data communication between the mobile telephone and SIM card without requiring external intervention. The monitoring module detects errors and provides information about the communication state, enabling automatic error detection and diagnosis. This self-service capability improves measurement precision while keeping the system relatively simple to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7831249B2Test device for use in a test system for checking transmission procedures in a mobile telephony network

Publication Date: 2010.11.09 SIGOS LLC

AI summary

Test device (1) is for use in a test system for checking transmission procedures in a mobile telephony network. The test device (1) comprises a mobile telephone (2) configured such that it is able to communicate with a subscriber identification module (SIM). Furthermore, the test device (1) has a SIM simulation processor (4) associated locally with the mobile telephone (2), to prepare a SIM simulation which may be connected to other components of the test system. The test device (1) also has a physical SIM card (10) connected to the SIM simulation processor (4) such that the mobile telephone (2) is able to selectively communicate with the SIM simulation or with the physical SIM card (10). A test device (1) is thus provided, the use of which allows a greater flexibility of the SIM data used in the test process.