Wireless IC Card Command Forwarding for Multi-SIM Handsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication methods between handset devices and IC Cards require physical replacement of IC Cards, leading to cumbersome and laborious processes, especially when multiple SIMs are needed, as they often necessitate larger device sizes and inconvenient switching procedures.
Innovation Solution
A communication method utilizing a first IC Card inserted in a handset device, which forwards commands via a wireless personal interface to additional IC Cards housed in an external box, allowing quick switching and multiple SIM usage without modifying the handset or IC Card hardware specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IC Cards are hosted inside the handset device, then the ability to use multiple SIMs is improved, but the device size becomes too large to be held in a pocket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from hosting multiple IC cards within the handset's internal space to placing additional IC cards in an external box connected via wireless personal interface. This dimensional shift from internal to external hosting resolves the space constraint while maintaining multi-SIM functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a first IC card as an intermediary that receives commands from the handset device and forwards them wirelessly to additional IC cards in the external box. This intermediary enables communication between the handset and external IC cards without requiring direct physical hosting within the handset.
2Device complexity
If physical replacement of IC Cards is required, then the communication method is simple, but the switching process becomes laborious and non-immediate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically extracting and inserting IC cards with a wireless command-forwarding mechanism. The first IC card receives commands from the handset and forwards them wirelessly to additional IC cards, enabling immediate switching without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a preliminary wireless communication link between the first IC card and additional IC cards before switching is needed. This pre-configured connection allows immediate command forwarding and instant switching when required, eliminating the need for physical replacement actions.
3Volume of moving object
If the slot is closed inside the handset cover under the battery pack, then the device structure is compact, but the IC Card replacement becomes cumbersome and non-immediate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the first IC card as an intermediary that remains in the compact internal slot while enabling access to additional IC cards stored externally. This intermediary allows the slot to remain closed and compact while providing access to multiple IC cards through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts additional IC cards from the handset's internal structure and places them in an external box, connected via the first IC card. This extraction allows the handset to maintain its compact form factor while still supporting multiple IC cards through the external wireless connection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and efficient switching between multiple IC Cards, maintaining device size and convenience while supporting simultaneous use of multiple SIMs and data integration, with enhanced security and connectivity features.
Implementation Method 1
the first IC Card, the at least a second IC Card and/or the additional box being provided with a wireless personal interface, supporting a corresponding wireless personal communication
Data Source
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Figure 7a~7b
AI summary
Communication method between an handset device, comprising a slot hosting a first IC Card, and at least a second IC Card, the method including a plurality of commands based on a conventional handset device-IC card interface, intended to drive a communication between the first IC Card and the handset device; the method comprises the following steps: providing a second device, comprising at least a slot for hosting the at least second IC Card; providing the first IC Card and the at least second IC Card and/or the second device with a wireless personal interface, supporting a wireless communication; inserting the at least second IC Card inside the at least a slot, a communication between the handset device and the at least second IC Card being driven by forwarding a command received by the first IC Card on the conventional handset device/IC Card interface to the wireless personal interface.