UICC Protocol Switch for Power Conservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication devices face increased power consumption when operating in ISO 7816-12 USB UICC transmission protocol mode compared to the ISO 7816-3 T=0/T=1 transmission protocol mode, necessitating a method to conserve battery life.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mobile communication device with the capability to switch between ISO 7816-12 USB UICC and ISO 7816-3 T=0/T=1 transmission protocols, allowing for automatic fallback to the ISO mode under conditions such as host enumeration failures, low battery power, or user-defined thresholds, thereby reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the mobile communication device operates in ISO 7816-12 USB UICC transmission protocol mode, then the data transmission capability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between USB mode and ISO mode based on real-time conditions. The system monitors battery power levels, enumeration status, and user preferences to automatically select the most appropriate transmission protocol, making the system adaptable rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to use USB mode when high performance is needed and ISO mode when power conservation is prioritized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter (transmission protocol mode) based on different conditions. By monitoring battery power thresholds, enumeration success, and user-defined preferences, the system switches between two distinct protocol parameters (USB and ISO modes), optimizing the balance between data transmission capability and power consumption according to the current operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the mobile communication device operates in ISO 7816-3 T=0/T=1 transmission protocol mode, then the power consumption is reduced, but the data transmission capability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between ISO mode and USB mode based on real-time conditions. When power conservation is the priority (low battery, successful enumeration in ISO mode), the system operates in ISO mode. When higher data transmission capability is needed and conditions permit, it switches to USB mode, making the performance characteristic adjustable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the UICC interface universal by supporting both USB mode and ISO mode operations. The system can function effectively in either protocol mode depending on conditions, allowing it to serve multiple operational requirements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the same hardware interface to deliver different performance characteristics as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If automatic fallback to ISO mode is enabled, then the battery life is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automatic fallback functionality. The system monitors its own operational status (enumeration success, battery power levels) and autonomously switches between USB mode and ISO mode without requiring user intervention. This self-managing approach extends battery life through intelligent protocol selection while keeping the user interface simple, resolving the contradiction between extended battery life and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor enumeration status, battery power levels, and mode operation effectiveness. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts its operational mode, switching from USB to ISO mode when appropriate conditions are detected. This feedback-driven control enables battery life extension through intelligent switching while maintaining manageable complexity through rule-based decision logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If the device switches between USB mode and ISO mode, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol mode adaptabilityVSAvoiduser control simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing protocol mode selection based on monitored conditions. The fallback mechanism operates autonomously, detecting enumeration failures or low battery states and switching modes without user intervention. This self-managing approach provides high adaptability while maintaining ease of operation, as users do not need to manually manage the complexity of mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing user preferences and power thresholds in advance. During setup, users can define their preferred operational modes and power level thresholds. The system then uses these pre-configured parameters to automatically make switching decisions, providing adaptability through multiple mode options while maintaining ease of operation through simple advance configuration rather than complex real-time user decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3129913B1User identity module protocol switch
Publication Date: 2017.08.30 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3129913B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3129913B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3129913B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for switching a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) transmission protocol includes: setting an operational mode of the UICC to an ISO 7816-12 USB UICC transmission protocol mode (USB mode); and in response to a user input, enabling the UICC to fallback from the USB mode to an ISO 7816-3 T=0/T=1 transmission protocol mode (ISO mode).