User Agent Application for SIM PLMN List Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
End users face difficulties in configuring their user equipment to effectively select wireless communication networks, lacking understanding of network selection procedures and thus unable to fully exploit available communication services.
Innovation Solution
A user agent application is used to receive selection indication data for network attribute preferences, ranking network identifications based on attributes like cost, bandwidth, and quality, and storing these rankings as a user-controlled PLMN list on a SIM/USIM card, enabling end users to perform automatic network selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If end users directly configure network selection parameters in user equipment, then network selection control capability is improved, but user equipment complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a user agent application as an intermediary between the end user and the network selection mechanism. This user agent runs on the user equipment and automatically performs network selection based on user preferences without requiring users to directly configure complex network parameters. The user agent mediates between simple user input (preferences) and the complex network selection process, resolving the contradiction by shielding users from complexity while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to define their network selection preferences through a simplified interface, and the user agent automatically executes the network selection process based on these preferences. Users do not need to understand or configure the actual network parameters - they simply express their preferences and the system handles the rest autonomously, improving ease of operation without increasing user-facing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users are provided with detailed network configuration options, then network selection flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network selection process into two distinct parts: (1) user preference definition through a simplified interface, and (2) automatic execution by the user agent. This segmentation allows users to interact only with the simple preference-setting interface while the user agent handles the complex network selection logic, thereby maintaining both flexibility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The user agent acts as an intermediary that translates simple user preferences into detailed network selection decisions. Users define high-level preferences (e.g., prioritize cost, bandwidth, or quality), and the user agent automatically maps these to specific network configurations and selection criteria, preserving flexibility while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If automatic network selection is implemented without user control, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability by allowing users to configure their preferences and have the user agent automatically adjust network selection based on these preferences. The system is not static - it dynamically adapts to user needs while maintaining automatic operation. Users can modify their preferences at any time, and the user agent will automatically reconfigure network selection accordingly, combining automatic operation with user adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the user agent monitors network performance and user preferences, and automatically adjusts network selection decisions based on this feedback. Users can provide feedback through preference configurations, and the system responds by automatically selecting networks that match their preferences, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both automation and user control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for producing a user-controlled PLMN list for a SIM/USIM card with use of a user agent application are disclosed. Selection indication data corresponding to at least one of a plurality of network attribute type preferences is received at the user agent application. The selection indication data may be received through a user interface of the user equipment, a user application of the user equipment, or both. The at least one selected network attribute type preference is indicative of a preference to prioritize network selection based on at least one network attribute type of a plurality of network attributes types (e.g. cost, bandwidth, quality, number of available features, etc.). A list of network identifications associated with a plurality of wireless communication networks is ranked in accordance with a ranking of network attributes of the at least one selected network attribute type made available by the plurality of wireless communication networks. The ranked list of network identifications is then stored as a user-controlled PLMN list in the SIM/USIM. An automatic network selection process may then be performed with use of the user-controlled PLMN list. As apparent, network selection may be controlled and facilitated by the end user in a more conceptual fashion. Other additional and alternative advantageous features are described in the detailed description.