Virtual USIM Profiles for Seamless Multi-Network Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern smartphones with a single UICC face challenges in efficiently accessing multiple wireless networks, such as private LTE/5G and public PLMN, requiring complex switching between different USIMs without network modifications.

Innovation Solution

A single UICC is provisioned with two unique sets of subscriber credentials as distinct USIMs, enabling efficient switching between networks based on priority and availability using a USIM switching application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single UICC is used in a smartphone, then device simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to access multiple wireless networks simultaneously deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidmulti-network access capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UICC into multiple virtual USIMs (vUSIMs), each capable of storing credentials for different wireless networks. This allows a single physical UICC to function as multiple separate identity modules, enabling access to multiple networks while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single UICC is designed to perform multiple functions by hosting multiple vUSIMs that can authenticate to different wireless networks. The UICC universally supports both private LTE/5G networks and public PLMN networks through its multi-vUSIM capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple USIMs are supported on a single UICC, then multi-network access capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-network access capabilityVSAvoidUICC internal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple vUSIMs are nested within a single physical UICC structure. Each vUSIM contains its own credential set and authentication logic, but they all reside within the same hardware boundary, managing complexity through hierarchical organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of USIM functionality within the single UICC. Each vUSIM is a software-based replication of traditional USIM capabilities, allowing multiple network access profiles without requiring multiple physical cards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If switching between different USIMs is required, then adaptability to different networks is improved, but service continuity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork switching capabilityVSAvoidservice interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple vUSIMs are pre-configured within the UICC with their respective network credentials before needed. The system can immediately switch between vUSIMs without requiring physical card changes or lengthy re-authentication processes, as all credentials are already in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous network service by maintaining multiple active vUSIM profiles that can be switched between without interrupting overall connectivity. The transition between vUSIMs is seamless, preserving service continuity across network boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12432547B2Systems and methods for supporting multiple universal subscriber identity modules

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A user equipment (UE), comprising at least one processor may be configured to transmit a first attach request to a first wireless network based on a first universal subscriber identity module (USIM). The UE may receive a rejection from the first wireless network and may switch from the first USIM to a second USIM based on the rejection. The UE may transmit a second attach request to the first wireless network based on the second USIM.