Virtual SIM Segmentation for Multi-Environment Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices require multiple Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards to establish multiple communication environments, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and electronic device that allows establishing multiple communication environments using a single SIM card by detecting user input to select and load multiple pieces of user identification information from a single SIM module, enabling independent communication without changing the SIM card.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SIM cards are mounted to establish multiple communication environments, then communication environment diversity is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication environment diversityVSAvoidSIM card management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the SIM card into multiple virtual SIMs (VSIMs), each containing separate subscriber identification modules. This allows a single physical SIM card to function as multiple independent SIM cards, enabling multiple communication environments without requiring multiple physical cards. The segmentation is achieved through software-based virtualization while maintaining the simplicity of having a single physical card slot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single SIM card to serve multiple communication purposes simultaneously. The virtual SIM structure allows one physical SIM card to provide multiple subscriber identities, each capable of establishing independent communication environments. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized SIM cards while maintaining full communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SIM cards are mounted to establish multiple communication environments, then communication environment diversity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication environment diversityVSAvoidSIM card switching convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the SIM card into virtual SIMs, the system maintains a single physical card that can be easily handled while providing multiple operational identities. Users can switch between different subscriber identities through software interfaces without physically handling multiple cards, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining communication environment diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of SIM card functionality within a single physical card. Each virtual SIM acts as an independent copy with its own subscriber identification module, allowing users to switch between different communication environments through software selection rather than physical card swapping. This copying approach maintains operational simplicity while enabling multiple communication contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If a single SIM card is used to establish multiple communication environments, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIM card management simplicityVSAvoidmultiple communication environments management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtualization to create multiple independent subscriber identification modules within a single physical SIM card. Each virtual SIM is a software-based copy that maintains independence while sharing the same physical hardware. This approach simplifies physical card management while the system handles the complexity of multiple communication environments through controlled virtualization layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtual SIM manager as an intermediary layer between the physical SIM card and the communication systems. This mediator handles the complexity of managing multiple virtual SIMs and their corresponding communication environments, while presenting a simplified interface to users. The virtual SIM manager coordinates resource allocation, authentication, and communication establishment across multiple virtual identities without exposing the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9860738B2Method for processing multiple pieces of SIM information and electronic device thereof

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method configured to set a communication environment of an electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting a user's input and selecting at least two pieces of information from among multiple pieces of user identification information comprised in a single SIM module, and determining communication environments corresponding to the at least two pieces of user identification information. The communication environments are loaded into the electronic device all together.