KR102786840B1 - Electronic device, and method for receiving sms message in electronic device supporting multiple sims - Google Patents

Abstract

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a memory, at least one processor, and a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) selectively connectable to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor identifies a SIM switching condition set for receiving a short message service (SMS) message, stored in the memory, and controls, based at least on the identified SIM switching condition, to disconnect a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and to connect a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected, and controls, in response to the connection of the second SIM, to receive the SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM. Various other embodiments are possible.

Description

{ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING SMS MESSAGE IN ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUPPORTING MULTIPLE SIMS}

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device and a method of receiving a short message in an electronic device supporting multiple SIMs.

In a wireless communication system, an electronic device (e.g., user equipment (UE)) can access a wireless communication network to use voice communication or data communication services at a fixed location or while moving. In order to provide a communication service to an electronic device, an appropriate authentication operation is required. Typically, a UICC (universal integrated circuit card) is inserted into an electronic device, and authentication is performed between the electronic device and a server of a mobile network operator (MNO) through a USIM (universal subscriber identity module) installed inside the UICC. In the case of the GSM (global system for mobile communications) method, the UICC can be called a SIM (subscriber identity module) card, and in the case of the WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access), LTE (long term evolution), and NR (new radio) method, a USIM (universal subscriber identity module) card.

When a user of an electronic device subscribes to a wireless communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier, the telecommunications carrier may provide a UICC (e.g., a SIM card or a USIM card) to the user, and the user may insert the UICC provided into his or her electronic device. When the UICC is inserted into the electronic device, the USIM application installed in the UICC may be executed, and an appropriate authentication operation may be performed with a server of the telecommunications carrier that stores the same value using the IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity) value and the encryption key value for authentication stored in the UICC. After the appropriate authentication operation is performed, the wireless communication service may be used.

An electronic device can support two or more SIMs, and when it supports two SIMs, it can be called a dual SIM electronic device, and a device supporting multiple SIMs can be called a multi SIM electronic device. A dual SIM or multi SIM electronic device can support multiple SIMs, and each SIM can be associated with different subscriptions. A device in which one transceiver transmits and receives signals associated with multiple SIMs can be called a DSDS (dual SIM dual standby) device. In this case, when one SIM transmits or receives a signal, the other SIM can be in a standby state. Alternatively, a device in which both SIMs can be active at the same time through multiple transceivers can be called a DSDA (dual SIM dual active) device.

An electronic device supporting dual SIM is implemented to support two removable subscriber identity modules, or one removable subscriber identity module and an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM). The removable subscriber identity module may be referred to as a rSIM (removable SIM) hereinafter, and the embedded subscriber identity moduleThe electronic device supporting dual SIM is implemented to support two removable subscriber identity modules, or one removable subscriber identity module and an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM). The removable subscriber identity module may be referred to as a rSIM (removable SIM) hereinafter, and the embedded subscriber identity module may be referred to as an eSIM. The rSIM may also be referred to as a physical SIM (or pSIM). An electronic device supporting two rSIMs may be implemented to include two slots capable of accommodating each of the SIMs. An electronic device supporting one rSIM and an eSIM may include a slot capable of accommodating one SIM and an eSIM.

In an electronic device supporting multiple SIMs, the number of SIMs that can be simultaneously connected to a network may be limited. For example, in an electronic device supporting multiple SIMs, an activated SIM that is connected to a network can access a short message service (SMS) server (SMS-SC (service center)) to send and receive SMS messages, but an inactivated SIM that is not connected to the network cannot access the SMS-SC and thus cannot send and receive SMS messages. In the SMS server corresponding to each SIM of the multiple SIMs, an SMS message storage period is set, and if a designated SIM is not used for a long period of time (for example, if a designated SIM is not used beyond the set SMS message storage period), messages stored in the SMS server are automatically deleted, so that a user may not be able to receive the messages.

An electronic device according to various embodiments may receive an SMS message from a deactivated SIM by switching the SIM according to preset SIM switching conditions for the deactivated SIM.

An electronic device according to various embodiments can receive a call normally on an activated SIM by preset call forwarding when a call is received while switching SIMs to enable receiving an SMS message on a deactivated SIM.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a memory, at least one processor, and a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) selectively connectable to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor identifies a SIM switching condition set for receiving a short message service (SMS) message, stored in the memory, and controls, based at least on the identified SIM switching condition, to disconnect a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and to connect a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected, and, corresponding to the connection of the second SIM, to receive the SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a memory, at least one processor, and a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) selectively connectable to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor controls to transmit information set for forwarding a call received upon SIM switching to a server, checks a SIM switching condition set for SMS reception stored in the memory, and controls to disconnect a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and to connect a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected, based at least on the checked SIM switching condition, and controls to receive an SMS (short message service) message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM in response to the connection of the second SIM, and controls to receive the call through the second SIM according to the information set for forwarding of the call when a call is received by the first SIM.

According to various embodiments, a method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of an electronic device including a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) selectively connectable to at least one processor, the operation including: checking a SIM switching condition set for receiving a short message service (SMS) message, which is stored in memory; disconnecting a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and connecting a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected, based at least on the checked SIM switching condition; and receiving the SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM, in response to the connection of the second SIM.

According to various embodiments, by improving a situation in which an SMS message corresponding to a deactivated SIM cannot be received in an electronic device supporting multiple SIMs, the SMS messages stored in the SMS-SC can be received before they are deleted.

In addition, when a call is received on a temporarily disabled SIM while switching SIMs for SMS reception according to various embodiments, the user's incoming call can be normally processed even during the SIM switching operation by forwarding the call according to the set order.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.
FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating a network environment including an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing profile-based communication connections to electronic devices according to various embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the internal structure of an eUICC according to various embodiments.
FIG. 5a illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 5b illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 5c illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 8 illustrates a screen displayed on an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 9 illustrates a screen displayed on an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 10a is a diagram illustrating an example of receiving an SMS message in an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 10b is a diagram illustrating an example of receiving an SMS message in an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 10c is a diagram illustrating an example of receiving an SMS message in an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 11a is a diagram illustrating a SIM configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 11b is a diagram illustrating a SIM configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 11c is a diagram illustrating a SIM configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating SIM switching settings of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a method for receiving a call when SIM switching in an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a method for receiving a call when SIM switching in an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 19 illustrates a screen displayed on an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 20 illustrates a screen displayed on an electronic device according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1A, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with the electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of an electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a nonvolatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the display module (160), the sensor module (176), or the communication module (190)), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) on which artificial intelligence is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure.

The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or nonvolatile memory (134).

The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The audio output module (155) can output an audio signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part thereof.

The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) can include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) can include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can obtain sound through an input module (150), or output sound through an audio output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102)) (e.g., a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

The sensor module (176) can detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through a tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) can include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery (189) can power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) can include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module (190) may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102), the electronic device (104), or the server (108)), and performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., the application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) may use subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196) to identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199).

The wireless communication module (192) can support a 5G network and next-generation communication technology after a 4G network, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), terminal power minimization and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) may support various requirements specified in an electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) can include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), can be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and the external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) can be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC positioned on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) positioned on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above components may be connected to each other and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

In one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of executing the function or service itself or in addition, request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result, as is or additionally processed, as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an IoT (Internet of Things) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199). The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating a network environment (100) including an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1b, a network according to various embodiments of the present invention may include an electronic device (101), a first communication network (111a), a second communication network (112a), or a third communication network (113a), a first SMS server (111b), a second SMS server (112b), and a third SMS server (113b).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may support multiple SIMs in one device. In this case, the electronic device (101) may operate as a DSDS (dual SIM dual standby) or DSDA (dual SIM dual active) electronic device capable of activating two SIMs among the multiple SIMs. For example, the electronic device (101) may be equipped with two SIMs, a first SIM (111) and a second SIM (112). The first SIM (111) and the second SIM (112) may be removable rSIMs. For example, the electronic device (101) may be equipped with two SIM cards to support the two SIMs. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the SIM card will be referred to as a SIM. As illustrated in FIG. 1b, the electronic device (101) may be equipped with two SIM cards, a first SIM (111) and a second SIM (112). The electronic device (101) may include a first slot (not shown) and a second slot (not shown) as first structures therein to accommodate a first SIM (111) and a second SIM (112), respectively.

For example, the first SIM (111) is a SIM subscribed to a communication service provider of the first communication network (111a), and the electronic device (101) can receive a wireless communication service by accessing the first communication network (111a) using the first SIM (111). The second SIM (112) is a SIM subscribed to a communication service provider of the second communication network (112a), and the electronic device (101) can receive a wireless communication service by accessing the second communication network (112a) using the second SIM (112). According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) (201). The eSIM may also be referred to as eUICC. The electronic device (101) can receive a wireless communication service by accessing the third communication network (113a) using the eSIM (201). At least some of the first communication network (111a), the second communication network (112a), or the third communication network (113a) may be provided by the same communication service provider, or may be provided by different communication service providers, respectively.

According to various embodiments, among the plurality of SIMs (e.g., the first SIM, the second SIM, or the eSIM), a SIM that is currently connected to a network and capable of transmitting and receiving data may be referred to as an activated SIM, and among the plurality of SIMs (e.g., the first SIM, the second SIM, or the eSIM), a SIM that is currently not connected to a network and cannot transmit and receive data may be referred to as an inactivated SIM.

According to various embodiments, the activated SIM may be referred to as being in an active state when it is currently transmitting or receiving data through the communication network or is in a call. The activated SIM may be referred to as being in a standby state when it is not currently transmitting or receiving data through the communication network and is not in a call.

When the above electronic device supports two activated SIMs, if both of the two activated SIMs can be in an active state, it can be referred to as DSDA (dual SIM dual active), and if only one SIM can be in an active state, it can be referred to as DSDS (dual SIM dual standby).

According to various embodiments, when the first SIM (111) is an activated SIM, the electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message corresponding to the first communication network (111a) by connecting to the first SMS server (111b) via the first communication network (111a). According to various embodiments, when the second SIM (112) is an activated SIM, the electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message corresponding to the second communication network (112a) by connecting to the second SMS server (112b) via the second communication network (112a). According to various embodiments, when the eSIM (201) is an activated SIM, the electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message corresponding to the third communication network (113a) by connecting to the third SMS server (113b) via the third communication network (113a). On the other hand, if each of the above SIMs is a deactivated SIM, SMS messages cannot be received through the SMS server.

Each of the above SMS servers (e.g., the first SMS server (111b), the second SMS server (112b), or the third SMS server (113b)) may, if not connected to the communication with the electronic device (101), store an SMS message to be transmitted to the electronic device (101) in a buffer and then periodically attempt to transmit the SMS message. According to various embodiments, each of the above SMS servers (e.g., the first SMS server (111b), the second SMS server (112b), or the third SMS server (113b)) may discard the SMS message if it fails to transmit the SMS message to the electronic device (101) for a time period set for each SMS server (e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours).

Although the above FIG. 1b illustrates that each communication network (e.g., the first communication network (111a), the second communication network (112a), or the third communication network (113a)) is connected to a separate SMS server, in various embodiments, each communication network may be connected to a common SMS server. When each communication network shares and uses a common SMS server, the shared SMS server can manage SMS messages for each communication network separately and process transmission of SMS messages for each communication network separately.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, a method of installing and managing an eSIM (201) in an electronic device (101) is described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing profile-based communication connections to electronic devices according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2, a system (200) according to various embodiments may include an electronic device (101), an SM-DS server (210), an SM-DP+ server (220), an MNO server (230), and/or a communication service server (240).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1A) may include an eSIM (201). Although not illustrated for convenience of explanation, the electronic device (101) may include two or more slots capable of accommodating two or more rSIMs. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may be implemented to include two eSIMs and one slot capable of accommodating one rSIM. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include or accommodate N (N is a natural number) SIMs (eSIMs or rSIMs) and may perform switching to utilize some of them. There is no limitation on the combination of the N SIMs, and there is also no limitation on the number thereof.

According to various embodiments, the eSIM (201) may be inserted into the electronic device (101), may be provided as an integral part with the electronic device (101), or may be implemented so that the electronic device (101) can access it. According to various embodiments, the eSIM (201) may enable the electronic device (101) to perform authentication with a server of a mobile network operator (MNO) using information in the eSIM (e.g., a profile including universal subscriber identity module (USIM) information). According to one embodiment, the eSIM (201) may be called a SIM (subscriber identity module) card, a WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access) card in the case of a GSM (global system for mobile communications) method, or a USIM (universal subscriber identity module) card in the case of an LTE (long term evolution) or NR (new radio) method, and may also be called by various other names depending on the communication method. For example, when a user of an electronic device (101) subscribes to a wireless communication service provided by a telecommunications carrier, the electronic device (101) may perform an appropriate authentication operation with a server of the telecommunications carrier where the same value is stored using information in the eSIM (201), for example, an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) value and a K value, which is an encryption key for authentication, and then enable the use of the wireless communication service. For example, the appropriate authentication operation may be AKA (authentication and key agreement) authentication, and other authentication methods may also be used.

According to various embodiments, the eSIM (201) may be manufactured as a dedicated card for a designated telecommunications carrier at the request of the designated telecommunications carrier, and may be pre-loaded with authentication information for network access of the telecommunications carrier (e.g., USIM application and subscriber identification ID (e.g., IMSI)), and/or an encryption key (e.g., a known K value or Ki value). Applications (or information) in the eSIM (201) may be installed, modified, deleted, or updated using a technology such as OTA (over the air), if necessary.

According to various embodiments, the eSIM (201) can download and/or store information for providing communication services in the form of a profile. According to one embodiment, the profile can be installed or stored during the manufacturing process of the eSIM (201) or downloaded by the terminal in an OTA (over the air) manner and installed or stored in the eSIM (201). For example, the profile can include a provisioning profile and an operational profile. Even if the provisioning profile is not installed, the electronic device (101) can also download the operational profile through a short-range connection of Wi-Fi or an Internet connection, and those skilled in the art will understand that the provisioning profile does not necessarily need to be installed in the electronic device (101). For example, the operational profile may be a profile including subscriber identification information of a user of an electronic device, and the provisioning profile may include information (also referred to as “first information”) for downloading a profile (also referred to as “first operational profile”) including subscriber identification information or subscriber identification information (also referred to as “first subscriber identification information”) from the electronic device. The electronic device may download the first operational profile based on the first information on the provisioning profile in the eSIM (201).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may receive a communication service by using subscriber identification information (hereinafter also referred to as “second subscriber identification information”) of an operational profile (hereinafter also referred to as “second operational profile”) installed or stored in an eSIM (201). For example, the profile including subscriber identification information may be a SIM (subscriber identity module) profile.

According to one embodiment, the operational profile may further include, in addition to subscriber identification information, the subscriber's network access authentication information, the subscriber's phone book, the subscriber's personal information (e.g., SMS), the name of the subscribed telecommunications carrier, available services, available data volume, rates or service provision speeds, or information for performing subscriber authentication and generating traffic security keys when connecting to a wireless communications network such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, or NR to enable secure wireless communications use.

According to various embodiments, the first information for downloading data including first subscriber identification information (e.g., the first operational profile) may include communication session information for a first communication connection designated for downloading the first operational profile. For example, the communication session information may include SM-DS (subscription manager discovery service) server (210) connection information for downloading the first operational profile or communication service provider network information available for connecting to the SM-DS server (210).

According to various embodiments, the SM-DS server (210) may provide the electronic device (101) with the address of an SM-DP+ server (220) from which the first operational profile can be downloaded based on the provisioning profile.

According to various embodiments, the SM-DP+ (subscription manager data preparation plus) server (220) may be a profile provisioning server, an off-card entity of a profile domain, a profile encryption server, a profile creation server, a profile provisioner, or a profile provider. The SM-DP+ server (220) may perform a first communication connection (22) with the electronic device (101) through a wireless communication network based on a first communication connection request based on a provisioning profile from the electronic device (101), and may provide a first operational profile to the electronic device (101) through the first communication connection (22). According to various embodiments, the wireless communication network may be a designated node of the wireless communication network. For example, the wireless communication network may be a base station, a subscriber information management node, or a mobility management node of the wireless communication network. According to one embodiment, the wireless communication network may include a home location register (HLR) and/or an authentication center (AuC) server to which an electronic device (101) accesses and performs subscriber authentication functions, and may be connected to a communication service server (240) that may access after authentication and provide communication services such as voice communication or data communication.

According to various embodiments, the MNO (mobile network operator) server (230) may be a server associated with a mobile communication network operator. According to various embodiments, the MNO server (230) may request the SM-DP+ server (220) to prepare at least one profile (or profile package) (e.g., a first operational profile) associated with at least one subscriber identification information (e.g., first subscriber identification information) and may transmit information associated with the first operational profile to the SM-DP+ server (220). According to one embodiment, the MNO server (230) may transmit a signal to the SM-DP+ server (220) to update and manage the first operational profile. The MNO server (230) may allow a second communication connection (24) between the electronic device (101) and the communication service server (240) through the second operational profile installed in the eSIM (201) of the electronic device (101).

According to various embodiments, the communication service server (240) may be a server providing a communication service. According to various embodiments, the communication service may be a service associated with transmission or reception of data via a wireless communication network. According to one embodiment, the communication service may include a service associated with transmission or reception of other profiles (or data) that do not include subscriber identification information in addition to an operational profile download (e.g., a first operational profile including first subscriber identification information). For example, the communication service server (240) may include various service servers associated with data transmission and reception, such as a server associated with each of various applications, a push server, a search server, or a market server, and the communication service by the communication service server (240) may include various services such as data transmission and reception, notification reception, push reception, link reception and connection, or service request by the application.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B, or the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments may include a processor (120), an eSIM (201), a communication module (190), a display module (160), and an input module (150). Although not illustrated for convenience of explanation, the electronic device (101) may include two or more slots capable of accommodating two or more rSIMs.

According to various embodiments, the processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1A) may include one or more processors (e.g., the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1A or the application processor and the communication processor), and may include an LPA (local profile assistant) (e.g., LPAd (device)) according to one embodiment. According to various embodiments, when the processor (120) includes multiple processors, some of the multiple processors may include a part of the LPA (312), and other parts of the LPA (312) may be included in other processors. According to various embodiments, the LPA (312) may be included in the eSIM (201), and in this case, the LPA (312) may be referred to as LPAe (eUICC).

According to various embodiments, the LPA (312) may perform operations to communicate with a server to support profile download, installation, and/or management operations of the eSIM (201), or to provide a user interface required for the profile download, installation, and/or management operations. The LPA (312) may be a module that provides local discovery services (LDS) (31), local profile download (LPD) (33), and local user interface (LUI) (35) operations within the electronic device (101).

According to various embodiments, the LDS (31) may perform an operation of communicating with the SM-DS server (210) and receiving an address of an SM-DP+ server (220) that can download an operational profile based on a provisioning profile from the SM-DS server (210).

According to various embodiments, the LPD (33) may perform an operation of performing a first communication connection (22) with the SM-DP+ server (220) through a wireless communication network based on the address of the SM-DP+ server (220), and receiving a first operational profile from the SM-DP+ server (220) through the first communication connection (22). According to various embodiments, the LPD (33) may support a profile download, enable, disable, delete, or profile policy rule (PPR) download operation initiated by the network, or support a profile activation, disable, delete, or eUICC reset operation by an electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the LUI (35) may perform operations for providing various user interfaces when downloading the operational profile. According to one embodiment, the LUI (35) may support data exchange between the LDS (31) and the LPD (33) and the user, and may include a UI for transmitting the user's input to the LDS (31) or the LPD (33).

According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may perform a communication service based on information stored in the eSIM (201) by using (or executing) the LPA (312). For example, the processor (120) may perform a first communication connection (22) to download a profile (e.g., a first operational profile) including first subscriber identification information from the SM-DP+ server (220) through the communication module (190) based on a provisioning profile stored in the eSIM (201) by using the LPA (312). The processor (120) may terminate the first communication connection (22) when a request is made to transmit or receive a profile or data that does not include subscriber identification information during the first communication connection (22) by using the LPA (312), and perform a second communication connection (24) based on second subscriber identification information to transmit or receive the profile or data that does not include the subscriber identification information.

According to various embodiments, the eSIM (201) (e.g., the subscriber identification module (196) of FIG. 1A or the eSIM (201) of FIG. 2) may include one or more profiles as information for receiving a communication service. The profile may mean at least one of an application, a file system, and an authentication key value stored in the eSIM (201) packaged in software form. For example, the profile may include a provisioning profile and an operational profile. The operational profile may include subscriber identification information, and in addition to the subscriber identification information, may further include subscriber network access authentication information, the subscriber's phone book, the subscriber's personal information (e.g., SMS), the name of the subscribed communication service provider, available services, available data volume, rates or service provision speed, or information for performing subscriber authentication and generating a traffic security key when connecting to a wireless communication network such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, and NR to enable secure wireless communication use. In one embodiment, the operational profile may include a SIM profile. For example, the SIM profile may include a SIM file system (e.g., a master file (MF), a dedicated file (DF), and/or elementary files (EF)), and the elementary files may store subscriber identification information (IMSI) values.

According to various embodiments, the provisioning profile may be a profile including first information for downloading a first operational profile from an electronic device. For example, the first information may include communication session information for a first communication connection (22) designated for downloading the first operational profile. For example, the communication session information may include SM-DS server (e.g., SM-DS server (210) of FIG. 2) connection information for downloading the first operational profile, and may include communication service provider network information available for SM-DS server connection.

According to various embodiments, the communication module (190) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1A) may perform a first communication based on a provisioning profile or a second communication based on a second operational profile. At least one screen associated with the first communication based on the provisioning profile or the second communication based on the second operational profile may be displayed on the display module (160).

According to one embodiment, the LPA (312) has been described as a configuration included in the processor (120), but at least some functions of the LPA (312) may be performed in the processor (120), or a separate LPA (312) may operate in conjunction with the processor (120). For example, the LPA (312) may be included in a program (e.g., the program (140) of FIG. 1A) and may be loaded and executed in the processor (120). When the LPA (312) is loaded and executed in the processor (120), it may be understood as an operation of the processor (120). According to various embodiments, the function modules (e.g., the LDS (31), the LPD (33), or the LUI (35)) included in the LPA (312) are exemplarily separated and may be expressed as different function modules, and may not be limited to the embodiments. According to various embodiments, the LPA (312) may be included in the eSIM (201).

FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the internal structure of an eUICC according to various embodiments.

An eUICC (401) according to one embodiment (e.g., an eSIM (201) of FIG. 2 or 3) may be in the form of a card or a chip, and at least one profile (410, 420, 430) in a software format may be installed. According to various embodiments, each of the at least one profile (410, 420, 430) may be a provisioning profile or an operational profile. The at least one profile (410, 420, 430) may operate on an eUICC OS (operating system) (450). Each of the at least one profile (410, 420, 430) may be enabled or disabled by a processor (e.g., a processor (120) of FIG. 1A) or an LPA (e.g., an LPA (312) of FIG. 3 or an LPA (480) of FIG. 4). In FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, one profile (410) may be in an enabled state, and the remaining profiles (420, 430) may be in a disabled state.

According to various embodiments, the eUICC OS (operating system) (450) of the eUICC (401) may include a profile policy enabler (452), a profile package interpreter (454), and/or a telecom framework (456). According to one embodiment, the profile policy enabler (452) may manage a policy rule (PPR (profile policy rule)) for each of at least one of the profiles (410, 420, 430). According to one embodiment, the profile package interpreter (454) may unpackage a profile package received from the SM-DP+ (220) into a form that can be installed in the eUICC (401). According to one embodiment, the telecom framework (56) may perform a function related to communication of applications in the eUICC (401). According to various embodiments, the eUICC (401) may include an issuer security domain root (ISD-R) (460) or an ECASD (470). According to one embodiment, the ISD-R (460) can manage at least one profile (410, 420, 430) installed in the eUICC (401). For example, the ISD-R (460) can include LPA services (462), and the LPA services (462) can manage at least one profile (410, 420, 430) installed in the eUICC (401) through an interface with a processor (120) or an LPA (e.g., LPA (312) of FIG. 3 or LPA (480) of FIG. 4). According to one embodiment, an eUICC controlling authority security domain (ECASD) (470) can perform security processing of at least one profile (410, 420, 430) installed in the eUICC (401).

According to various embodiments, each of the at least one profile (410, 420, 430) may include an ISD-P (410-1, 420-1 or 430-1), a MNO-SD (410-2, 420-2 or 430-2), a supplementary security domain (SSD) (410-3, 420-3 or 430-3), a controlling authority security domain (CASD) (410-4, 420-4 or 430-4), Applets (410-5, 420-5 or 430-5), network access applications (NAAs) (410-6, 420-6 or 430-6), a file system (410-7, 420-7 or 430-7), or profile metadata (410-8, 420-8 or 430-8).

In one embodiment, the ISD-P (410-1, 420-1 or 430-1) may include information for decoding and interpreting a profile package and may be used in cooperation with a profile package interpreter (454) to unpackage and install a received profile package from an SM-DP+ (220).

In one embodiment, the MNO-SD (410-2, 420-2 or 430-2) may include an OTA (over the air) key of the MN0 server (230) and may include information for providing a secure OTA channel to communicate with the MN0 server (230).

In one embodiment, a supplementary security domain (SSD) (410-3, 420-3, or 430-3) and a controlling authority security domain (CASD) (410-4, 420-4, or 430-4) may include information for performing security processing of the profile.

According to one embodiment, Applets (410-5, 420-5 or 430-5) may include various application information associated with a user of the profile.

In one embodiment, network access applications (NAAs) (410-6, 420-6 or 430-6) may include application information that enables the profile to access the network.

In one embodiment, the file system (410-7, 420-7 or 430-7) may include a file system associated with each piece of information of the profile.

According to one embodiment, profile metadata (410-8, 420-8 or 430-8) may also be referred to as a profile record and may include metadata information about the profile in text form. The metadata information may include at least one of an integrated circuit card ID (ICCID) of the profile, a profile name, a name of an MNO providing the profile, a user's profile nickname, an icon, a profile class, notification configuration information, profile owner information or a profile policy rule (PPR).

According to various embodiments, the ICCID of the profile may represent a unique identifier of each profile as a profile identifier. The name of the profile may include the name of each profile. The profile providing MNO name may include the name of the telecommunications service provider that provided the profile. The user's profile nickname may include a profile nickname specified by the user. The icon may include an icon corresponding to the profile. The profile class may include information indicating whether the type of the profile is a provisioning profile or an operational profile. The notification configuration information may include an address of a server (e.g., an SM-DP+ server (220)) to receive the notification. The profile owner information may include information such as a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), and a group identifier (GID) 1 or 2 associated with the profile owner. For example, the mobile country code (MCC) may be a code for identifying a country, and the mobile network code (MNC) may be a code for identifying a telecommunications service provider. GID(group identifier) 1 or 2 may be code region information for identifying a group or region to which the profile belongs. Region information may include a group including multiple countries. Profile policy rule (PPR) may include policy rule information for managing the profile.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) can identify whether a profile is a provisioning profile or an operational profile by using profile class information of profile metadata (410-8, 420-8 or 430-8) included in each of at least one profile (410, 420, 430) included in the eUICC (401), and can activate or deactivate the provisioning profile or the operational profile, respectively, through an LPA (e.g., LPA (312) of FIG. 3 or LPA (480) of FIG. 4).

FIG. 5a illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a processor (120), a communication processor (510), an RF circuit (520), a memory (130), a first slot (530), a second slot (540), an eSIM (550), or a switch (560). The communication processor (510) may support establishment of a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication, and network communication through the established communication channel. For example, the communication processor (510) may support at least one of second generation (2G), 3G, 4G, or 5G network communication. The RF circuit (520) may include at least one of, for example, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a radio frequency front end (RFFE), or an antenna module. The RF circuit (520) may process data (e.g., a baseband signal) output from the communication processor (510) into an RF signal and transmit the RF signal through the antenna module. Alternatively, the RF circuit (520) may convert an RF signal received through an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module (197) of FIG. 1A) into a baseband signal and transmit it to the communication processor (510). The RF circuit (520) may process an RF signal or a baseband signal depending on a communication method supported by the communication processor (510), and there is no limitation on the type of the RF circuit (520). An interface between components may be implemented as, for example, a GPIO (general purpose input/output), a UART (universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter) (e.g., HS-UART (high speed-UART)), or a PCIe (peripheral component interconnect bus express) interface, but there is no limitation on the type. Alternatively, at least some of the components may exchange control information or packet data information using, for example, a shared memory. Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 5a, the processor (120) and the communication processor (510) are depicted as being different hardware, but this is merely exemplary, and the processor (120) and the communication processor (510) may be implemented as different hardware, and according to another implementation example, the processor (120) and the communication processor (510) may be implemented in a single chip.

The communication processor (510) according to various embodiments may perform an authentication operation based on the information stored in the SIM described above. The communication processor (510) may be connected to the first SIM (531) through the first slot (530). For example, the first SIM (531) may be connected to a stack (e.g., a stack according to ISO7816) of the communication processor (510). In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the communication processor (510) may include two stacks. For example, the first slot (530) may be a structure capable of accommodating the first SIM (531), which is an rSIM, and may include at least one terminal capable of transmitting information from the first SIM (531) to the communication processor (510) when the first SIM (531) is accommodated. The second slot (540) may be a structure capable of accommodating a second SIM (541), which is an rSIM, and may include at least one terminal capable of transmitting information from the second SIM (541) to the communication processor (510) when the second SIM (541) is accommodated. The first slot (530) and the second slot (540) may be of the same type, but may be of different types depending on the implementation. The communication processor (510) may obtain information stored in the first SIM (531) from the first SIM (531) accommodated in the first slot (530). For example, at least one of the first SIM (531), the second SIM (541), or the eSIM (550) (e.g., the eSIM (201) of FIG. 3) may store at least one of an integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID), an IMSI, home public land mobile network (HPLMN) related information, or a mobile subscriber international ISDN number (MSISIDN). This may also be referred to as an elementary file (EF). The communication processor (510) may perform an authentication operation for network communication corresponding to the first SIM (531) based on the information stored in the acquired first SIM (531) through the RF circuit (520). If the authentication is successful, the communication processor (510) may perform network communication corresponding to the first SIM (531) through the RF circuit (520).

At least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) according to various embodiments may control the state of the switch (560). The state of the switch (560) may be either a first state connecting the communication processor (510) and the second slot (540) or a second state connecting the communication processor (510) and the eSIM (550). For example, at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) may control the switch (560) to connect the second slot (540) to the communication processor (510). In other words, at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) may provide a control signal to the switch (560) that may control the state of the switch (560) to the first state. If the basic state in which the switch (560) does not receive a specific signal is the first state, at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) may not perform any special operation so that the second slot (540) is connected to the communication processor (510). A signal for controlling the switch (560) may be transmitted, for example, through a GPIO (general purpose input/output), but there is no limitation on the interface. In some cases, the state of the switch (560) may be controlled to a third state in which it is not connected to either the second slot (540) or the eSIM (550). Those skilled in the art will understand that the switch (560) may include, for example, at least one MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) or a freewheeling switch, but there is no limitation on the type thereof.

FIG. 5b illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a processor (120), a communication processor (510), an RF circuit (520), a memory (130), a first slot (530), and an eSIM (550). The same configuration in FIG. 5b as in FIG. 5a may operate in the same manner, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The communication processor (510) according to various embodiments may perform an authentication operation based on the information stored in the SIM described above. The communication processor (510) may be connected to the first SIM (531) through the first slot (530). For example, the first SIM (531) may be connected to a stack (e.g., a stack according to ISO7816) of the communication processor (510). The communication processor (510), in the embodiment of FIG. 5B, may include two stacks. For example, the first slot (530) may be a structure capable of accommodating the first SIM (531), which is an rSIM, and may include at least one terminal capable of transmitting information from the first SIM (531) to the communication processor (510) when the first SIM (531) is accommodated. The communication processor (510) can perform an authentication operation for network communication corresponding to the first SIM (531) through the RF circuit (520) based on the information stored in the acquired first SIM (531). If the authentication is successful, the communication processor (510) can perform network communication corresponding to the first SIM (531) through the RF circuit (520).

At least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) according to various embodiments may be connected to the eSIM (550). At least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) may select one of a plurality of profiles included in the eSIM and perform network communication corresponding to the profile.

FIG. 5c illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a processor (120), a communication processor (510), an RF circuit (520), a memory (130), a first slot (530), a second slot (540), a third slot (570), or a switch (560). The same configuration in FIG. 5c as in FIG. 5a may operate in the same manner, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The communication processor (510) according to various embodiments may perform an authentication operation based on the information stored in the SIM described above. The communication processor (510) may be connected to the first SIM (531) through the first slot (530). For example, the first SIM (531) may be connected to a stack (e.g., a stack according to ISO7816) of the communication processor (510). The communication processor (510), in the embodiment of FIG. 5C, may include two stacks. For example, the first slot (530) may be a structure capable of accommodating the first SIM (531), which is an rSIM, and may include at least one terminal capable of transmitting information from the first SIM (531) to the communication processor (510) when the first SIM (531) is accommodated. The second slot (540) may be a structure capable of accommodating a second SIM (541), which is an rSIM, and may include at least one terminal capable of transmitting information from the second SIM (541) to the communication processor (510) when the second SIM (541) is accommodated. The third slot (570) may be a structure capable of accommodating a third SIM (571), which is an rSIM, and may include at least one terminal capable of transmitting information from the third SIM (571) to the communication processor (510) when the third SIM (571) is accommodated. The first slot (530), the second slot (540), and the third slot (570) may be of the same type, but may be of different types depending on the implementation.

The communication processor (510) can obtain information stored in the first SIM (531) from the first SIM (531) accommodated in the first slot (530). For example, at least one of the first SIM (531), the second SIM (541), or the third SIM (571) can store at least one of an ICCID (integrated circuit card identifier), an IMSI, HPLMN (home public land mobile network) related information, or MSISIDN (mobile subscriber international ISDN number). This may also be referred to as an elementary file (EF). The communication processor (510) can perform an authentication operation for network communication corresponding to the first SIM (531) based on the information stored in the acquired first SIM (531) through the RF circuit (520). If the authentication is successful, the communication processor (510) can perform network communication corresponding to the first SIM (531) through the RF circuit (520).

At least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) according to various embodiments can control the state of the switch (560). The state of the switch (560) can be either a first state connecting the communication processor (510) and the second slot (540) or a second state connecting the communication processor (510) and the third slot (570). For example, at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) can control the switch (560) to connect the second slot (540) to the communication processor (510). In other words, at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) can provide a control signal to the switch (560) that can control the state of the switch (560) to the first state. If the basic state in which the switch (560) does not receive a designated signal is the first state, at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) may not perform any special operation so that the second slot (540) is connected to the communication processor (510). A signal for controlling the switch (560) may be transmitted, for example, through a GPIO (general purpose input/output), but there is no limitation on the interface. In some cases, the state of the switch (560) may be controlled to a third state in which it is not connected to either the second slot (540) or the third slot (570). Those skilled in the art will understand that the switch (560) may include, for example, at least one MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) or a freewheeling switch, but there is no limitation on the type thereof.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a method of operating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

The operations of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments are described with reference to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1a and FIG. 5a.

According to one embodiment, the operations described in FIG. 6 (operations 601 to 607) may be performed by a processor of the electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510) of FIG. 1A or FIG. 5A).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510)) may, in operation 601, connect at least one processor (e.g., the communication processor (510)) to the second slot (540) by controlling the state of the switch (560) to the first state. For example, the electronic device (101) may connect the communication processor (510) to the second slot (540) based on detection of an event for use of the second SIM (541). The event for use of the second SIM (541) may be, for example, detection of acceptance of the second SIM (541) into the second slot (540) or a user command to use the second SIM (541), but there is no limitation on the type of the event as long as it requires data transmission and reception between the second SIM (541) and the communication processor (510). Alternatively, the first SIM (531) and the second SIM (541) may be set as default SIMs for use, in which case the communication processor (510) may be connected to the second slot (540) without any separate control of the electronic device (101).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may detect an event for using the eSIM (550) while the switch (560) is in the first state in operation 603. The event for using the eSIM (550) may be, for example, activation of at least one profile set in the eSIM (550), deletion or addition of at least one profile set in the eSIM (550), but is not limited in its type as long as it is an event requiring data transmission and reception between the eSIM (550) and the communication processor (510). In operation 605, the electronic device (101) may connect at least one processor (e.g., the communication processor (510)) to the eSIM (550) by controlling the state of the switch (560) from the first state to the second state. In operation 607, the electronic device (101) may perform an operation associated with the eSIM (550). For example, the electronic device (101) may perform network authentication using information stored from the eSIM (550). Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may control the eSIM (550) to delete or add a profile of the eSIM (550). According to various embodiments, the operation associated with the eSIM (550) may include an operation of receiving an SMS message.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 6, a configuration is illustrated in which the electronic device (101) controls the switch (560) from the first state to the second state based on detection of an event for using the eSIM (550), but this is exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand that, according to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may also control the state of the switch (560) from the second state to the first state based on detection of an event for using the second SIM (541) while the eSIM (550) is connected to the communication processor (510).

Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart for explaining an operating method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Among the operations of Fig. 7, the operations described above in Fig. 6 will be briefly described.

The operations of FIG. 7 according to various embodiments are described with reference to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1A or FIG. 5A. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510)) may, in operation 701, connect at least one processor (e.g., the communication processor (510)) to the second slot (540) by controlling the state of the switch (560) to a first state. While the state of the switch (560) is in the first state, the electronic device (101) assumes performing network communication corresponding to the first SIM (531) and network communication corresponding to the second SIM (541). While the switch (560) is in the first state, the electronic device (101) may detect an event for using the eSIM (550) in operation 703. For example, the electronic device (101) may detect an event for temporarily using the eSIM (550). In various embodiments, the event for temporarily using the eSIM (550) may include an event for temporarily using the eSIM (550) and an event for non-temporarily using the eSIM (550). For example, the event for temporarily using the eSIM (550) may be a deletion or addition of a profile set in the eSIM (550), or a request for information about a profile of the eSIM (550), but this is exemplary. The event for temporarily using the eSIM (550) is not limited as long as it does not require a connection to a network communication corresponding to the eSIM (550) or requires a connection to a temporary network communication while requesting data transmission/reception from/to the eSIM (550). An event for temporarily using the eSIM (550) may be an event requesting connection of network communication corresponding to the eSIM (550), or an event requesting connection and maintenance of network communication for at least a certain period of time. When an event for temporarily using the eSIM (550) is detected, the electronic device (101) may control the state of the switch (560) from the first state to the second state in operation 705, thereby connecting at least one processor (e.g., the communication processor (510)) to the eSIM (550). While the state of the switch (560) is in the second state, the network communication corresponding to the second SIM (541) may be released. The electronic device (101) may perform an operation associated with the eSIM (550) in operation 707.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the operation associated with the eSIM (550) is completed in operation 709. If it is determined that the operation associated with the eSIM (550) is not completed (709-NO), the electronic device (101) may perform the operation associated with the eSIM (550) (e.g., receiving an SMS message corresponding to the eSIM (550)). When it is confirmed that the operation associated with the eSIM (550) is completed (709-Yes), the electronic device (101) can connect at least one processor (e.g., the communication processor (510)) to the second slot (540) by controlling the state of the switch (560) to the first state in operation 711. Accordingly, the second SIM (541) accommodated in the second slot (540) can be connected to the communication processor (510). In operation 713, the electronic device (101) can recover the network communication associated with the second SIM (541). The electronic device (101) can recover the network communication based on the information stored in the second SIM (541).

Although not shown, if an event for non-temporary use of the eSIM (550), for example, a network communication connection event corresponding to the eSIM (550), is detected, the electronic device (101) may form a network communication corresponding to the eSIM (550) and perform data transmission and reception based on the network communication. In this case, operations 709 to 713 may not be performed.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate screens displayed on an electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) (e.g., at least one of the processor (120) or the communication processor (510)) may connect at least one processor (e.g., the communication processor (510)) to the eSIM (550) by controlling the state of the switch (560) to a second state. The electronic device (101) may display a second screen indicating that the first SIM (531) and the eSIM (550) are in an activated state. For example, as in FIG. 8, the electronic device (101) may display a screen for establishing a connection for network communication. A screen for setting up a connection may include, for example, at least one of a mobile network settings tab (801), a carrierBridge settings tab (802), a data usage check tab (803), a SIM card manager settings tab (804), a mobile hotspot and tethering settings tab (805), a call and message continuity settings tab (806), or a more connection settings tab (807), but there is no limitation on the type of tabs. When the SIM card manager settings tab (804) is selected among the tabs (801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, or 807), the electronic device (101) may display a screen (820a) including information related to a SIM, such as that illustrated in FIG. 9.

According to various embodiments, referring to FIG. 9, a screen (820a) including information associated with a SIM may include a tab (821) corresponding to a first SIM (531), a tab (822) corresponding to a second SIM (541), and a tab (823) corresponding to a first profile (e.g., eSIM1) stored in an eSIM (550). The electronic device (101) may display information associated with the first SIM (531) (e.g., own number (e.g., mobile station international subscriber directory number (MSISDN)), PLMN information, or supportable network communication types) on the tab (821) corresponding to the first SIM (531). The electronic device (101) may also display the supportable network communication types so as to be visually distinguished from the tab (822) corresponding to a deactivated SIM (e.g., the second SIM (541)) based on the first SIM (531) being activated. The number "1" included in the icon in the tab (821) may correspond to, for example, the first slot (530), and the number "2" included in the icon in the tabs (822, 823) may correspond to, for example, the second slot (540), but this is merely exemplary and the icon may be omitted. The electronic device (101) may display information (for example, own number, PLMN information, or supportable network communication type) associated with the second SIM (541) on the tab (822) corresponding to the second SIM (541). However, the electronic device (101) may simply display the character "off" on the tab (822) corresponding to the second SIM (541) based on the fact that the second SIM (541) is in an inactive state. The electronic device (101) may display information (for example, own number, PLMN information, or supportable network communication type) associated with the eSIM (550) on the tab (823) corresponding to the first profile. The electronic device (101) may also display the types of network communications that can be supported based on whether the eSIM (550) is activated, so as to be visually distinguished from the tab (822) corresponding to the deactivated SIM (e.g., the second SIM (541)). The electronic device (101) may display the types of network communications that can be supported (e.g., 5G/4G/3G/2G) for the activated SIM (e.g., the first SIM (531) and the eSIM (550)), and display an indicator (e.g., the text “off”) indicating the deactivation state for the deactivated SIM (e.g., the second SIM (541)), thereby allowing the user to identify the currently activated/deactivated SIM. A screen (820a) containing information associated with a SIM may further include, but is not limited to, a tab for adding a mobile plan (824), a tab related to calls (825), a tab related to text messages (826), a tab related to mobile data (827), a tab for confirming SIM card for calls (828), a tab for always enabling dual SIM functionality (829), a tab for locking mobile plan settings (830), or a tab for deleting all mobile plans (831), depending on the implementation. A mobile plan may also include a profile.

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of receiving an SMS message in an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 10A, a first SIM (1001) (SIM #1), a second SIM (1002) (SIM #2), and a third SIM (1003) (SIM #3) may be installed in an electronic device (101). Since the electronic device (101) operates as a DSDS or DSDA, two SIMs may be set as activated SIMs. FIG. 10A illustrates that the first SIM (1001) and the second SIM (1002) are set as activated SIMs, and the third SIM (1003) is set as an inactivated SIM.

According to various embodiments, the first SIM (1001) and the second SIM (1002) are set as activated SIMs and can receive SMS messages corresponding to the corresponding communication network by communicating with the SMS server (1000) (SMS-SC). The third SIM (1003) is set as a deactivated SIM and cannot communicate with the SMS server (1000) (SMS-SC), and thus cannot receive SMS messages corresponding to the corresponding communication network.

FIG. 10b is a diagram illustrating an example of receiving an SMS message in an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 10b, as described in FIG. 10a, the third SIM (1003) is set to a deactivated SIM, and thus cannot communicate with an SMS server (1000) (SMS-SC), and thus cannot receive an SMS message corresponding to the corresponding communication network. The SMS server (1000) can set a validity period for storing each SMS message in a buffer, and can discard an SMS message that has passed the validity period (e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours).

According to one embodiment, the validity period may be set to be the same or different depending on the implementation of the SMS server (1000) for each communication network corresponding to each SIM.

According to various embodiments, when the third SIM (1003) is switched from a deactivated SIM to an activated SIM, SMS messages stored in a buffer can be received by communicating with the SMS server (1000). Although the third SIM (1003) is switched to an activated SIM, messages stored in the deactivated SIM state whose storage time (age) has passed a set validity period are discarded, and thus the electronic device (101) may not be able to receive the corresponding messages.

FIG. 10c is a diagram illustrating an example of receiving an SMS message in an electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the first SIM (1001) is set to an activated SIM and can receive an SMS message corresponding to a corresponding communication network by communicating with an SMS server (1000) (SMS-SC). The third SIM (1003) is set to a deactivated SIM and cannot communicate with the SMS server (1000) (SMS-SC), and thus cannot receive an SMS message corresponding to the corresponding communication network.

According to various embodiments, the second SIM (1002) is set as a deactivated SIM and cannot communicate with the SMS server (1000) (SMS-SC) and therefore cannot receive SMS messages corresponding to the corresponding communication network. The SMS server (1000) can set a validity period for storing each SMS message in a buffer, and can discard SMS messages that have passed the validity period (e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours).

According to various embodiments, when the second SIM (1002) is switched from a deactivated SIM to an activated SIM, SMS messages stored in a buffer can be received by communicating with the SMS server (1000). Although the second SIM (1002) is switched to an activated SIM, messages (e.g., Old SMS) stored in the deactivated SIM state whose storage time (age) has passed a set validity period are discarded, and thus the electronic device (101) may not receive the corresponding messages.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are diagrams showing a SIM configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C may be configured with the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIGS. 5B, 5A, and 5C, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 11a, a plurality of SIMs, a first physical SIM (1111) (Physical SIM 1) and an eSIM (1120), may be installed in the electronic device (101), and may be configured as in FIG. 5b. The first physical SIM (1111) may include a corresponding profile (1111-1), and the eSIM may include a plurality of profiles (1120-1, 1120-2, ..., or 1120-n).

According to various embodiments, as the electronic device (101) supports DSDS or DSDA, two profiles among the plurality of SIMs may be set as activated SIMs or profiles.

According to various embodiments, the first physical SIM (1111) may be set as an always activated SIM, and a profile (1111-1) of the first physical SIM (1111) may be referred to as a fixed profile. At least one of the multiple profiles (1120-1, 1120-2, ..., or 1120-n) in the eSIM (1120) may be selectively switched, and only the selected profile may be set as an activated profile. The selectively switched SIM or profile may be referred to as a selectable SIM or a switchable profile.

Referring to FIG. 11b, a plurality of SIMs, including a first physical SIM (1111) (Physical SIM 1), a second physical SIM (1112) (Physical SIM 2), and an eSIM (1120), may be installed in the electronic device (101), and may be configured as in FIG. 5a. The first physical SIM (1111) and the second physical SIM (1112) may each include a corresponding profile (1111-1, or 1112-1), and the eSIM may include a plurality of profiles (1120-1, 1120-2, ..., or 1120-n).

According to various embodiments, as the electronic device (101) supports DSDS or DSDA, two SIMs among the plurality of SIMs may be set as activated SIMs or activated profiles.

According to various embodiments, the first physical SIM (1111) may be set as an always activated SIM, and a profile (1111-1) of the first physical SIM (1111) may be referred to as a fixed profile. At least one profile among the second physical SIM (1112) and the multiple profiles (1120-1, 1120-2, ..., or 1120-n) in the eSIM (1120) may be selectively switched, and only the selected profile may be set as an activated SIM. The selectively switched SIM or profile may be referred to as a selectable SIM or a switchable profile.

Referring to FIG. 11c, a plurality of SIMs, including a first physical SIM (1111) (Physical SIM 1), a second physical SIM (1112) (Physical SIM 2), and a third physical SIM (1113) (Physical SIM 3), may be installed in the electronic device (101), and may be configured as in FIG. 5c. The first physical SIM (1111), the second physical SIM (1112), and the third physical SIM (1113) may each include a corresponding profile (1111-1, 1112-1, or 1113-1).

According to various embodiments, as the electronic device (101) supports DSDS or DSDA, two SIMs among the plurality of SIMs may be set as activated SIMs or activated profiles.

According to various embodiments, the first physical SIM (1111) may be set as an always activated SIM, and a profile (1111-1) of the first physical SIM (1111) may be referred to as a fixed profile. At least one of the second physical SIM (1112) and the third physical SIM (1113) may be selectively switched, and only the selected physical SIM may be set as an activated SIM. The profile (1112-1, or 1113-1) of the selectively switched physical SIM may be referred to as a selectable SIM or a switchable profile.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart for explaining an operating method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 12, an electronic device (101) (e.g., a communication module (190) of FIG. 1A, or a communication processor (510) of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) may check a SIM switching condition (or switching policy) set for SMS reception stored in a memory (e.g., a memory (130) of FIG. 1A) in operation 1210.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a timing for switching the plurality of SIMs. For example, the timing for switching the plurality of SIMs may be set to a specified time period (e.g., 8 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, 1 day, or 2 days, etc.) and may also be set to a specified time (e.g., 4 o'clock, 8 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 16 o'clock, or 24 o'clock, etc.).

According to various embodiments, the timing for switching the plurality of SIMs may be set to switch before the electronic device (101) enters a power saving mode after remaining in an idle state for a long time. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may analyze the user's electronic device usage pattern and automatically set a time during the day when the user does not use the electronic device as the timing for switching the SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to an order in which the multiple SIMs are switched. For example, it may include information about an order in which the selectable SIMs or selectable profiles described above in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are to be switched. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, it may include information about an order in which the first eSIM profile, the second eSIM profile, the third eSIM profile, and the second physical SIM are switched.

According to various embodiments, when setting the switching order, the electronic device (101) may set a frequently used SIM or profile to be switched with priority by considering the frequency of use of the user's SIM or profile.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a waiting time during a switching operation for a plurality of SIMs. For example, the electronic device (101) may switch to a SIM of a set next switching order after a specified waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes) has elapsed in the switched SIM during the SIM switching operation. The specified waiting time in the switched SIM may mean a waiting time for receiving an SMS from a communication network corresponding to the switched SIM, and the waiting time may be set to be the same or different for each SIM.

For example, when setting the standby time for each SIM or profile, the electronic device (101) may set a longer standby time for frequently used SIMs or profiles by considering the frequency of use of the SIM or profile by the user. As another example, the standby time may be set directly by the user for each SIM or profile.

If the electronic device (101) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1A or the communication processor (510) of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) satisfies the set SIM switching condition in operation 1220, it can disconnect from the first SIM that is currently connected among the plurality of SIMs and connect to the second SIM that is not connected.

The electronic device (101) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1A or the communication processor (510) of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) may, in operation 1230, receive an SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM in response to the connection of the second SIM.

The electronic device (101) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1A, or the communication processor (510) of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) may wait for a set waiting time according to the conditions related to the waiting time described above, and then disconnect from the second SIM and reconnect to the first SIM in operation 1240.

Although the above Fig. 12 describes an operation of switching from an activated first SIM to a deactivated second SIM according to SIM switching conditions set for SMS reception, it is also possible to continuously switch between three or more SIMs according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a SIM switching setting of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 13, a plurality of SIMs, including a first physical SIM (1111) (Physical SIM 1), a second physical SIM (1112) (Physical SIM 2), and an eSIM (1120), may be installed in the electronic device (101), and may be configured as in FIG. 5a. The first physical SIM (1111) and the second physical SIM (1112) may each include a corresponding profile (1111-1, or 1112-1), and the eSIM may include a plurality of profiles (1120-1, 1120-2, ..., or 1120-n).

According to various embodiments, as the electronic device (101) supports DSDS or DSDA, two SIMs among the plurality of SIMs may be set as activated SIMs or activated profiles.

According to various embodiments, the first physical SIM (1111) may be set as an always activated SIM, and a profile (1111-1) of the first physical SIM (1111) may be referred to as a fixed profile (1310). At least one profile among the plurality of profiles (1120-1, 1120-2, ..., or 1120-n) in the second physical SIM (1112) and the eSIM (1120) may be selectively switched, and only the selected profile may be set as an activated SIM. The selectively switched SIM or profile may be referred to as a selectable SIM or a switchable profile (1320).

According to various embodiments, the selectable profile (1320) may be set to be divided into an activated profile (1321), a switching target profile (1322), and a non-switching target profile (1323).

According to various embodiments, the selectable profile (1320) may be set as an activated profile (1321), a switching target profile (1322), and a switching non-target profile (1323) based on a user's usage pattern or whether charging is required according to the status of the electronic device (101). However, those skilled in the art will understand that there is no limitation on the conditions under which the selectable profile (1320) is set as an activated profile (1321), a switching target profile (1322), and a switching non-target profile (1323). For example, a profile that a user sets by default and always uses may be set as the activated profile (1321), a profile that a user occasionally uses may be set as the switching target profile (1322), and a profile that a user rarely uses may be set as the switching non-target profile (1323). According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (101) is in a roaming state, the switching non-target profile (1323) may be set for a SIM or profile that receives SMS messages for a fee, taking into account charging.

For example, FIG. 13 shows that a first eSIM profile (1120-1) is set as an activated profile (1321), a second eSIM profile (1120-2), a third eSIM profile (1120-3), and a second physical SIM (1112) are set as switching target profiles (1322), and a fourth eSIM profile (1120-4) and a fifth eSIM profile (1120-5) are set as switching non-target profiles (1323).

According to various embodiments, when the SIM switching conditions set for SMS reception as described above in FIG. 12 are satisfied, the first eSIM profile (1120-1), which is the activated profile (1321), is switched in the order of the second eSIM profile (1120-2), the third eSIM profile (1120-3), and the second physical SIM (1112), which are the switching target profiles (1322), so that an SMS message can be received.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart for explaining an operating method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 14, an electronic device (101) (e.g., a communication module (190) of FIG. 1A, or a communication processor (510) of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) may check a SIM switching condition (or switching policy) set for SMS reception stored in a memory (e.g., a memory (130) of FIG. 1A) in operation 1403.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a timing for switching the plurality of SIMs. For example, the timing for switching the plurality of SIMs may be set to a specified time period (e.g., 8 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, 1 day, or 2 days, etc.) and may also be set to a specified time (e.g., 4 o'clock, 8 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 16 o'clock, or 24 o'clock, etc.).

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to an order in which the multiple SIMs are switched. For example, it may include information about an order in which the selectable SIMs or selectable profiles described above in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are to be switched. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, it may include information about an order in which the first eSIM profile, the second eSIM profile, the third eSIM profile, and the second physical SIM are switched.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a waiting time during a switching operation for multiple SIMs. For example, the electronic device may switch to a SIM in the next set switching order after a specified waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes) has elapsed from the switched SIM during the SIM switching operation.

If the electronic device (101) satisfies the SIM switching condition set in operation 1405, it can deactivate the first eSIM profile and activate the second eSIM profile in operation 1407.

The electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second eSIM profile switched to the activated eSIM in operation 1409 within a set time period. According to an embodiment, the set time period may mean a waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes) specified in the switched SIM. For example, the electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the switched second eSIM profile within a waiting time set for the second eSIM profile in operation 1409.

The electronic device (101) can determine whether the set time has elapsed in operation 1411, and if the set time has elapsed, can switch to the next SIM or profile.

For example, the electronic device (101) may deactivate the second eSIM profile and activate the third eSIM profile in operation 1413 when a set time has elapsed.

The electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the third eSIM profile switched to the activated eSIM in operation 1415 within a set time. For example, the electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the switched third eSIM profile within a standby time set for the third eSIM profile.

The electronic device (101) can determine whether the set time has elapsed in operation 1417, and if the set time has elapsed, can switch to the next SIM or profile.

For example, the electronic device (101) may deactivate the third eSIM profile and activate the second physical SIM at operation 1419 when a set time has elapsed.

The electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second physical SIM switched to the activated SIM in operation 1421 within a set time period. For example, the electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the switched second physical SIM within a standby time period set for the second physical SIM. The electronic device (101) can determine whether the set time period elapses in operation 1423, and if the set time period elapses, can switch to the next SIM or profile in sequence.

For example, when a set time has elapsed, the electronic device (101) may deactivate the second physical SIM in operation 1425 and activate the first eSIM that was initially activated. The electronic device (101) may repeat operations from operation 1403 onwards after the first eSIM is activated.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart for explaining an operating method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 15, an electronic device (101) (e.g., a communication module (190) of FIG. 1A, or a communication processor (510) of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) may check a SIM switching condition (or switching policy) set for SMS reception stored in a memory (e.g., a memory (130) of FIG. 1A) in operation 1510.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a timing for switching the plurality of SIMs. For example, the timing for switching the plurality of SIMs may be set to a designated time period (e.g., 8 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, 1 day, 2 days, etc.) and may also be set to a designated time (e.g., 4 o'clock, 8 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 16 o'clock, 24 o'clock, etc.).

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to an order in which the multiple SIMs are switched. For example, it may include information about an order in which the selectable SIMs or selectable profiles described above in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are to be switched. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, it may include information about an order in which the first eSIM profile, the second eSIM profile, the third eSIM profile, and the second physical SIM are switched.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a waiting time during a switching operation for multiple SIMs. For example, the electronic device may switch to a SIM in the next set switching order after a specified waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc.) has elapsed from the switched SIM during the SIM switching operation.

The electronic device (101) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1A, or the communication processor (510) of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) can determine whether the electronic device (101) is currently communicating in operation 1530 if the set SIM switching condition is satisfied in operation 1520. For example, if it is determined that the electronic device is communicating in operation 1530, the electronic device (101) can wait for the switching operation until the end of communication in operation 1535.

According to various embodiments, if it is determined in operation 1530 that the electronic device is not communicating, the electronic device (101) may perform a SIM switching operation as described above in FIGS. 12 to 14 in operation 1540 and then receive a SIM message.

According to various embodiments, if the electronic device (101) determines that the SMS reception operation for all switchable SIMs is completed in operation 1550, the electronic device (101) may revert the activated SIM to the SIM that was activated before switching in operation 1560. If the electronic device (101) determines that the SMS reception operation for all switchable SIMs is not completed in operation 1550, the electronic device (101) may repeatedly perform the switching operation and the SMS reception operation.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 16, an electronic device (101) (e.g., a communication module (190) of FIG. 1A or a communication processor (510) of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C) may transmit information set for forwarding a call received during SIM switching to a server (e.g., a server (108) of FIG. 1A) in operation 1610. For example, the server may be an XCAP (XML configuration access protocol) server, and the electronic device (101) may transmit information set for forwarding the call to the server via an HTTP message. The information set for forwarding the call may include information on a SIM or profile to be forwarded when a SIM or profile corresponding to a currently received call is a deactivated SIM or profile, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may check the SIM switching conditions (or switching policies) set for SMS reception stored in the memory at operation 1620.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a timing for switching the plurality of SIMs. For example, the timing for switching the plurality of SIMs may be set to a specified time period (e.g., 8 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, 1 day, or 2 days, etc.) and may also be set to a specified time (e.g., 4 o'clock, 8 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 16 o'clock, or 24 o'clock, etc.).

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to an order in which the multiple SIMs are switched. For example, it may include information about an order in which the selectable SIMs or selectable profiles described above in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are to be switched. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, it may include information about an order in which the first eSIM profile, the second eSIM profile, the third eSIM profile, and the second physical SIM are switched.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a waiting time during a switching operation for multiple SIMs. For example, the electronic device may switch to a SIM in the next set switching order after a specified waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc.) has elapsed from the switched SIM during the SIM switching operation.

According to various embodiments, if the set SIM switching condition is satisfied in operation 1630, the electronic device (101) may disconnect from a first SIM that is currently connected among the plurality of SIMs and connect to a second SIM that is not connected. In operation 1640, the electronic device (101) may receive an SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM in response to the connection of the second SIM.

According to various embodiments, when a call is received through the first SIM while the first SIM is set as a deactivated SIM and the second SIM is set as an activated SIM, the electronic device (101) may receive the call through the SIM (e.g., the second SIM) set for forwarding the call at operation 1650.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, an embodiment of setting a SIM for forwarding the call will be described. FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating a method of receiving a call when switching SIMs in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 17, the electronic device (101) may set a first physical SIM (1111) as a fixed profile (1310) that may always be kept activated as the SIM or profile to which calls are forwarded.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (101) performs a SIM switching operation to receive an SMS message, the switchable profiles (1322) (e.g., the second eSIM profile (1120-2), the third eSIM profile (1120-3), or the second physical SIM (1112)) may be selectively set as the activated SIM. In this case, when a call is received with the deactivated SIM or profile, the electronic device (101) may receive the call forwarded to the first physical SIM (1111) according to the setting.

According to various embodiments, a server (e.g., an XCAP server) storing information set for forwarding of the call may forward the call to a currently activated SIM or profile based on the stored call forwarding information when a call corresponding to the SIM or profile is not normally received (e.g., in a not-reachable condition) as the electronic device (101) performs a SIM switching operation to receive an SMS message.

Referring to FIG. 18, the electronic device (101) can form a loop for a SIM or profile to which a call is to be forwarded. For example, if there is no fixed profile in the electronic device (101) as illustrated in FIG. 18, the electronic device (101) can be set to form a mutual loop for the set switchable profiles (1322). For example, if the third eSIM profile (1120-3) is temporarily set as an activated SIM by performing a SIM switching operation for SMS reception, the server forwards the call received for the first eSIM profile (1120-1) to the second physical SIM (1112) according to the call forwarding information and then forwards it to the third eSIM profile (1120-3), thereby allowing the electronic device (101) to normally receive the call.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate screens displayed on an electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, FIGS. 19 and 20 may correspond to FIGS. 8 and 9 described above.

Referring to FIG. 19, the electronic device (101) can display the status of multiple SIMs on the SIM card manager screen (1910). FIG. 19 may correspond to FIG. 5A. For example, SIM 1 (1911) and eSIM 1 (1913) represent activated SIMs operating as DSDS or DSDA, and SIM 2 (1912) and eSIM 2 (1914) represent deactivated SIMs.

According to various embodiments, when SIM 2 (1912), which is a deactivated SIM, is selected in the SIM card manager screen (1910), a setting screen (1920) of SIM 2 (1912) may be displayed. The setting screen (1920) of SIM 2 (1912) may include a button (1912) for switching SIM 2 (1912) from a deactivated state to an activated state. According to various embodiments, the setting screen (1920) of SIM 2 (1912) may include a button (1922) for setting SMS reception with periodic activation.

According to various embodiments, when the button (1922) for setting up SMS reception is selected, a setting menu screen (1930) related to SMS reception may be displayed. The setting menu screen (1930) related to SMS reception may include a button (1931) for setting whether to use the corresponding function, a usage interval setting menu (1932), and a usage time setting menu (1933).

FIG. 20 illustrates a screen displayed on an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 20, the electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message through multiple SIMs or profiles. The electronic device (101) can receive an SMS message (2010) corresponding to the first physical SIM (2011) in a state where the first physical SIM (2011) is activated.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (101) satisfies a SIM switching condition for SMS reception while the eSIM (2021) is in a deactivated state, the eSIM (2021) may be switched to an activated state for a predetermined period of time. The electronic device (101) may receive an SMS message (2020) corresponding to the eSIM (2021) as the eSIM (2021) is activated by SIM switching.

An electronic device according to any one of various embodiments includes a memory, at least one processor, and a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) selectively connectable to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor identifies a SIM switching condition set for receiving a short message service (SMS) message, stored in the memory, and controls, based at least on the identified SIM switching condition, to disconnect a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and to connect a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected, and, corresponding to the connection of the second SIM, controls to receive the SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of SIMs may include a plurality of physical SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of SIMs may include at least one physical SIM and an embedded SIM (eSIM).

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a timing of switching the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching conditions may include conditions related to a switching order for the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a waiting time during a switching operation for the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may further control, after receiving the SMS message, to disconnect from the second SIM and reconnect with the first SIM.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may, if the SIM switching condition is satisfied, determine whether data is transmitted or received with a communication network corresponding to the first SIM, and, as a result of the determination, control to postpone the start of a SIM switching operation when data is transmitted or received with the communication network corresponding to the first SIM.

An electronic device according to any one of the various embodiments includes a memory, at least one processor, and a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) selectively connectable to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor controls to transmit information set for forwarding a call received upon SIM switching to a server, checks a SIM switching condition set for SMS reception stored in the memory, and controls to disconnect a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and to connect a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected, and controls to receive an SMS (short message service) message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM in response to the connection of the second SIM, and controls to receive the call through the second SIM according to the information set for forwarding the call when a call is received by the first SIM.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of SIMs may include a plurality of physical SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of SIMs may include at least one physical SIM and an embedded SIM (eSIM).

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a timing of switching the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching conditions may include conditions related to a switching order for the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a waiting time during a switching operation for the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may further control, after receiving the SMS message, to disconnect from the second SIM and reconnect with the first SIM.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may, if the SIM switching condition is satisfied, determine whether data is transmitted or received with a communication network corresponding to the first SIM, and, as a result of the determination, control to postpone the start of a SIM switching operation when data is transmitted or received with the communication network corresponding to the first SIM.

A method of operating an electronic device according to any one of various embodiments may include an operating method of an electronic device including a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) that are selectively connectable to at least one processor, the method including an operation of checking a SIM switching condition set for receiving a short message service (SMS) message stored in a memory, an operation of disconnecting a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and connecting a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected, based at least on the checked SIM switching condition, and an operation of receiving the SMS message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM in response to the connection of the second SIM.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a timing of switching the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching conditions may include conditions related to a switching order for the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the SIM switching condition may include a condition related to a waiting time during a switching operation for the plurality of SIMs.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include, after receiving the SMS message, disconnecting from the second SIM and reconnecting with the first SIM.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be devices of various forms. The electronic devices may include, for example, computer devices, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" as used in this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit of the component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory or an external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., a master device or a task performing device). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., a master device or a task performing device) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or an intermediary server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by the module, program or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims (20)

In electronic devices,
memory;
at least one processor; and
comprising a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) optionally connectable to at least one processor;
At least one processor of the above:
Check the SIM switching conditions set for receiving SMS (short message service) messages stored in the above memory,
Based at least on the above-mentioned confirmed SIM switching conditions, control is provided to disconnect a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is in a connected state and connect a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is in a non-connected state;
In response to the connection of the second SIM, the SMS message is received from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM,
Determine whether the above SIM switching conditions are satisfied,
If the above SIM switching conditions are not met, the SMS message reception is repeated.
If the above SIM switching conditions are satisfied, the connection attempt with the second SIM is repeated, and
An electronic device that, when connection attempts are made with all of the above multiple SIMs, controls to disconnect with the second SIM and reconnect with the first SIM.
delete delete In the first paragraph, the SIM switching condition is:
An electronic device comprising conditions relating to the timing of switching the plurality of SIMs.
In the first paragraph, the SIM switching condition is:
An electronic device comprising conditions relating to a switching order for said plurality of SIMs.
In the first paragraph, the SIM switching condition is:
An electronic device comprising a condition relating to a waiting time during a switching operation for said plurality of SIMs.
delete In the first paragraph, at least one processor,
If the above SIM switching condition is satisfied, it is checked whether data is transmitted and received with the communication network corresponding to the first SIM,
An electronic device that controls, as a result of the above verification, to postpone the start of a SIM switching operation when transmitting and receiving data with a communication network corresponding to the first SIM.
In electronic devices,
memory;
at least one processor; and
comprising a plurality of subscriber identity modules (SIMs) optionally connectable to at least one processor;
At least one processor of the above:
Controls transmission of information set for forwarding calls received during SIM switching to the server,
Check the SIM switching conditions set for SMS reception stored in the above memory,
Based at least on the above-mentioned confirmed SIM switching conditions, control is provided to disconnect a first SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and connect a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected;
In response to the connection of the second SIM, control is provided to receive an SMS (short message service) message from a communication network corresponding to the second SIM,
Determine whether the above SIM switching conditions are satisfied,
If the above SIM switching conditions are not met, the SMS message reception is repeated.
If the above SIM switching conditions are satisfied, the connection attempt with the second SIM is repeated,
If connection attempts are made with all of the above multiple SIMs, the connection with the second SIM is disconnected and reconnected with the first SIM, and
An electronic device that controls, when a call is received to the first SIM, to receive the call through the second SIM according to information set for forwarding the call.
delete delete In the 9th paragraph, the SIM switching condition is,
An electronic device comprising conditions relating to the timing of switching the plurality of SIMs.
delete delete delete A storage medium storing at least one computer-readable instruction, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device, causes the electronic device to perform at least one operation,
At least one of the above actions,
An operation to check the SIM switching conditions set for receiving SMS (short message service) messages stored in memory;
An operation of disconnecting a first SIM among a plurality of SIMs that is currently connected and connecting a second SIM among the plurality of SIMs that is not connected, based at least on the above-mentioned confirmed SIM switching conditions;
In response to the connection of said second SIM, an action of receiving said SMS message from a communication network corresponding to said second SIM;
An action for determining whether the above SIM switching conditions are satisfied;
If the above SIM switching condition is not satisfied, the operation of repeating the reception of the SMS message;
If the above SIM switching condition is satisfied, an operation of repeating a connection attempt with the second SIM; and
A storage medium including an operation of disconnecting the second SIM and reconnecting with the first SIM when connection attempts are made with all of the above multiple SIMs.
In the 16th paragraph, the SIM switching condition is:
A storage medium comprising conditions relating to the timing of switching the plurality of SIMs.
delete delete delete

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