Logical channel management for multiple eSIM profiles

Abstract

The title of the invention is logical channel management for multiple eSIM profiles. Techniques are described herein for managing logical channel communications for multiple electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) profiles installed on an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC), including a mapping of logical channel identifier values among different logical channel marking schemes. In a first scheme, logical channel values are individually used to identify logical channels. In a second aspect, a logical channel is identified using a combination of an eSIM port value and a channel value. An interpreter in the eUICC and / or in a processing circuit external to the eUICC may map between the logical channel marking schemes to allow an internal state machine in the eUICC and / or in the processing circuit to use the first scheme for identifying logical channels.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application 202210384910.9, with the filing date of April 13, 2022 and the invention name “Logical Channel Management for Multiple eSIM Profiles”. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments described herein set forth techniques for managing logical channel communications for multiple electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) profiles on an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC), including mapping of logical channel identifier values ​​among different logical channel labeling schemes. Background Art

[0003] Wireless mobile network operators (MNOs) continue to upgrade wireless networks to support newer wireless communication standards, including fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) technologies and fifth generation (5G) technologies. Wireless devices continue to evolve to incorporate newer configurable wireless credentials, such as eSIMs that can be loaded into and subsequently activated on an eUICC of a wireless device. To support the newer 5G wireless communication standards, specifications for eSIMs for 5G-enabled wireless devices are being developed. As downloadable eSIMs become available to provide ready access to a variety of wireless services, the use of multiple eSIMs on a wireless device (including the simultaneous use of multiple eSIMs on an eUICC of a wireless device) is proposed. Logical channels are used to manage communications between an eUICC of a wireless device and a processor external to the eUICC. Different schemes for labeling multiple logical channels for communicating with multiple eSIMs installed on an eUICC of a wireless device are proposed. Summary of the invention

[0004] Representative embodiments of the present invention describe techniques for managing logical channel communications for multiple electronic user identity modules (eSIM) profiles on an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC), including mapping of logical channel identifier values ​​among different logical channel marking schemes. As downloadable eSIMs become available to provide ready access to a variety of wireless services, the use of multiple eSIMs on wireless devices (including the simultaneous use of multiple eSIMs on an eUICC of a wireless device) is proposed. Logical channels are used to manage communications between an eUICC of a wireless device and a processor external to the eUICC. Different schemes for marking multiple logical channels for communicating with multiple eSIMs installed on the eUICC of a wireless device are proposed. In a first scheme, multiplexing between logical channels associated with multiple installed eSIMs uses a unique logical channel value for each logical channel. In a second scheme, multiplexing between logical channels is based on a combination of an allocated eSIM port value and a logical channel value. An application protocol data unit (APDU) command (such as a manage port APDU command or a manage UICC logical interface (ULI) APDU command) may be used to assign (or unassign) an eSIM port value to an eSIM. Multiple logical channels may be associated with the same eSIM port value for a given eSIM, wherein each logical channel is associated with a specific eSIM port value having an exact channel value. The same channel value (e.g., channel "X") may be used simultaneously for different logical channels associated with different installed eSIMs. In each scheme, the logical channel is uniquely identifiable, and communication messages transmitted to and from the installed eSIM include the uniquely identifiable logical channel value. In the case of the first scheme, the logical channel is identified using the logical channel value alone. In the case of the second scheme, the logical channel is identified using a combination of the eSIM port value and the channel value. In order to manage logical channel communications using either scheme, a processor of a wireless device (which implements a terminal function for an internal logical channel identified by the first scheme using only unique logical channel values) may include an interpreter function to map between an internal unique logical channel value and an external logical channel value using the second scheme, the second scheme having a combination of the eSIM port value and the logical channel value. Alternatively and / or additionally, the eUICC using the internal unique logical channel value may communicate with an external processor using a first scheme (identifying an external logical channel for communication with the external processor by reusing the internal unique logical channel value). The eUICC may also communicate with an external processor using a second scheme to identify a logical channel by including an interpreter that maps the internal logical channel value to an external logical channel value using the second scheme (having a combination of an eSIM port value and a logical channel value) to identify the external logical channel for communication with the external processor.The logical channel mapping implemented on the eUICC or on an external processor may be used to communicate with multiple installed eSIMs, including eSIMs in an enabled or disabled state.

[0005] The present disclosure is provided only for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-mentioned features are only examples and should not be construed as reducing the scope or essence of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent through the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example the principles of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and are only used to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements of the disclosed apparatus and methods for providing wireless computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structural elements.

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram showing different components of an example system configured to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 According to some embodiments, Figure 1 A block diagram of a more detailed view of exemplary components of a system.

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary scheme for uniquely marking logical channels used for communication over an interface between an eUICC and external processing circuitry according to some embodiments is shown.

[0011] Figure 3C The functionality provided by a logical channel according to some embodiments is shown based on Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary correspondence table of mapping of the scheme to different logical channel value assignments is shown.

[0012] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C According to some embodiments, Figure 3A and Figure 3B Exemplary mapping of logical channel values ​​among the schemes shown.

[0013] Figure 4D Shown is a method for using the Figure 4B and Figure 4C Table of exemplary logical channel interpreter mappings for the illustrated scheme.

[0014] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary sequence of actions performed by an apparatus of a wireless device for managing logical channel values ​​utilizing multiple installed eSIMs according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 6 Shown is a detailed view of a representative computing device that can be used to implement the various methods described herein, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Representative applications of the apparatus and methods according to the embodiments described in the present invention are provided in this section. These examples are provided only to add context and to help understand the described embodiments. It will therefore be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments currently described may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process steps are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments currently described. Other applications are possible, so that the following examples should not be considered restrictive.

[0017] Representative embodiments of the present invention describe techniques for managing logical channel communications for multiple electronic user identity module (eSIM) profiles installed on an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC), including mapping of logical channel identifier values ​​among different logical channel marking schemes. As downloadable eSIMs become available to provide ready access to a variety of wireless services, the use of multiple eSIMs on wireless devices (including the simultaneous use of multiple eSIMs on an eUICC of a wireless device) is proposed. Logical channels are used to manage communications between an eUICC of a wireless device and a processor external to the eUICC. Different schemes for marking multiple logical channels when multiple eSIMs are installed simultaneously on an eUICC of a wireless device are proposed. In a first scheme, multiplexing between logical channels associated with multiple simultaneously installed eSIMs uses a unique logical channel value for each logical channel. In a second scheme, multiplexing between logical channels is based on a combination of an allocated eSIM port value and a logical channel value. An application protocol data unit (APDU) command (such as a manage port APDU command or a manage ULI APDU command) may be used to assign (or unassign) an eSIM port value to an eSIM. Multiple logical channels may be associated with the same eSIM port value for a given eSIM, where each logical channel is associated with a specific eSIM port value having an exact channel value. The same channel value (e.g., channel "X") may be used simultaneously for different logical channels associated with different eSIMs installed on an eUICC. In each scheme, the logical channel is uniquely identifiable, and a message is transmitted to or from an eSIM that includes a uniquely identifiable logical channel value. In the case of the first scheme, the logical channel is identified using the logical channel value alone. In the case of the second scheme, the logical channel is identified using a combination of the eSIM port value and the logical channel value. In order to manage logical channel communications using either scheme, a processor of a wireless device (which implements a terminal function of an internal logical channel identified by the first scheme using only a unique logical channel value) may include an interpreter function to map between an internal unique logical channel value and an external logical channel value using the second scheme, the second scheme having a combination of an eSIM port value and a logical channel value. Alternatively and / or additionally, the eUICC using the internal unique logical channel value may communicate with an external processor using a first scheme (identifying an external logical channel for communication with the external processor by reusing the internal unique logical channel value). The eUICC may also communicate with an external processor using a second scheme to identify a logical channel by including an interpreter that maps the internal logical channel value to an external logical channel value using the second scheme (having a combination of an eSIM port value and a logical channel value) to identify the external logical channel for communication with the external processor.The logical channel mapping implemented on the eUICC or on an external processor may be used to communicate with multiple installed eSIMs, including eSIMs in an enabled or disabled state.

[0018] The following references Figures 1 to 6 These and other embodiments will be discussed in detail; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0019] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of various components of a system 100 configured to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. More specifically, Figure 1 A simplified overview of a system 100 is shown, which includes a user equipment (UE) 102, a set of base stations 112-1 to 112-n managed by different mobile network operators (MNOs) 114, and a configuration server 116 in communication with the MNOs 114. The UE 102 may represent a mobile computing device (e.g., an Apple ® iPhone ® or iPad ® ), base stations 112-1 to 112-n may represent cellular wireless network entities configured to communicate with UE 102, including evolved NodeBs (eNBs) and / or next generation NodeBs (one or more gNBs), and MNO 114 may represent different wireless service providers that provide specific services (e.g., voice and data) that UE 102 may subscribe to. UE 102 may also be referred to as a wireless device, a mobile device, a mobile wireless device, etc.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, the UE 102 may include processing circuitry, an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) 108, and a baseband component 110, wherein the processing circuitry may include a memory 106 and one or more processors 104. In some embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of the eUICC, the UE 102 includes one or more physical UICC cards, also referred to as subscriber identity module (SIM) cards (not shown). These components of the UE 102 work together to enable the UE 102 to provide useful features to a user of the UE 102, such as local computing, location-based services, and Internet connectivity. The eUICC 108 may be configured to store multiple electronic SIMs (eSIMs) for accessing different services provided by one or more MNOs 114 through base stations 112-1 to 112-n. For example, the eUICC 108 may be configured to store and manage one or more eSIMs of one or more MNOs 114 for different subscriptions associated with the UE 102. In order to be able to access services provided by the MNOs, the eSIMs may be configured to the eUICC 108. In some embodiments, the eUICC 108 obtains one or more eSIMs (or updates to one or more eSIMs) from one or more associated provisioning servers 116. Note that the provisioning server 116 may be maintained by the manufacturer of the UE 102, the MNO 114, a third-party entity, etc. eSIM data communications between the provisioning server 116 and the eUICC 108 (or between the provisioning server 116 and processing circuitry of the UE 102 external to the eUICC 108, such as the processor 104) may use a secure communication channel. Multiple eSIMs may be downloaded to the eUICC 108 of the UE 102 from one or more provisioning servers 116 associated with one or more MNOs 114. The UE 102 may be configured to allow multiple eSIMs to be enabled simultaneously on the UE 102 to provide access to wireless services provided by the multiple eSIMs. Communications between multiple eSIMs installed on the eUICC 108 and circuitry external to the eUICC 108 (e.g., the processor 104 and / or the baseband component 110) may use one or more different logical channels for each installed eSIM on the eUICC 108. Communications may occur with installed eSIMs in an enabled state or a disabled state.

[0021] Figure 2 According to some embodiments, Figure 1 A block diagram of a more detailed view 200 of certain components of a UE 102 is provided. Figure 2 As shown, the processor 104 in conjunction with the memory 106 may implement a main operating system (OS) 202 configured to execute application programs 204 (eg, native OS applications and user applications). Figure 2As shown, the eUICC 108 may be configured to implement an eUICC OS 206 that is configured to manage the hardware resources of the eUICC 108 (e.g., a processor and memory embedded in the eUICC 108). The eUICC OS 206 may also be configured to manage an eSIM 208 stored by the eUICC 108, such as by installing, enabling, disabling, modifying, or otherwise performing management of the eSIM 208 within the eUICC 108 and providing access to the eSIM 208 to the baseband component 110 to provide access to wireless services for the UE 102. The eUICC 108 OS may include an eSIM manager 210 that may perform management functions for various eSIMs. Figure 2 As shown in the illustration, each eSIM 208 may include a plurality of applets 212 that define the manner in which the eSIM 208 operates. For example, one or more of the applets 212, when implemented by the baseband component 110 and the eUICC 108, may be configured to enable the UE 102 to communicate with the MNO 114 and provide useful features to the user of the UE 102 (e.g., voice connectivity, instant messaging services, Internet access, etc.).

[0022] Likewise Figure 2 As shown, the baseband component 110 of the UE 102 may include a baseband OS 214 that is configured to manage the hardware resources (e.g., processor, memory, different radio components, etc.) of the baseband component 110. According to some embodiments, the baseband component 110 may implement a baseband manager 216 that is configured to interact with the eUICC 108 to establish a secure channel with the provisioning server 116 and obtain information (such as eSIM data) from the provisioning server 116 for managing the eSIM 208. The baseband manager 216 may be configured to implement services 218, which represents a collection of software modules that are instantiated by various applets 212 of enabled eSIMs 208 included in the eUICC 108. For example, the services 218 may be configured to manage different connections between the UE 102 and the MNO 114 depending on the different eSIMs 208 enabled within the eUICC 108.

[0023] Figure 3AA block diagram 300 of a first scheme for uniquely marking logical channels for communication over an ISO interface 304 between an eUICC 108 and a terminal 302 is shown, which may be implemented in processing circuitry of a UE 102 external to the eUICC 108. Each internal logical channel operating within the terminal 302 is associated with a unique logical channel identifier value. A single logical channel using a channel identifier value of 2 (CH2) is used for communication between the terminal 302 and an issuer security root domain (ISD-R) in the eUICC 108. A set of three logical channels using channel identifier values ​​0, 1, and 3 (CH0, CH1, CH3) are used for communication between the terminal 302 and a first eSIM profile (profile A). A first logical channel using a channel identifier value of 0 (CH0) is used for communication with a SIM application toolkit (STK) of eSIM profile A. A second logical channel using a logical channel identifier value of 1 (CH1) is used for communication with a USIM application of eSIM profile A, and a third logical channel using a logical channel identifier of 2 (CH2) is used for communication with an ISIM application of eSIM profile A. Similarly, a second set of three logical channels using channel identifier values ​​4, 5, and 6 (CH4, CH5, CH6) are used for communication between the STK, USIM application, and ISM application of the second eSIM profile (Profile B) on the terminal 302 and the eUICC 108. Each logical channel traversing the ISO interface 304 between the terminal 302 and the eUICC 108 is assigned a unique logical channel value. In some embodiments, a maximum number of logical channel values ​​is allowed, for example, no more than 20 logical channels in total are assigned simultaneously. The use of the STK, USIM application, and ISIM application is provided merely as an example of functional elements that operate with an eSIM profile that may be associated with a logical channel for communication with an external processor (e.g., the terminal 302). As Figure 3A As shown, each logical channel is assigned a uniquely identifiable logical channel identifier value. Messages transmitted via the ISO interface 304 between the terminal 302 and the eUICC 108 may include a uniquely identifiable logical channel identifier value to allow a receiving entity (the terminal 302 or the eUICC 108) to identify the intended recipient of the message.

[0024] Figure 3BA block diagram 310 of a second approach for uniquely marking logical channels for communication over an ISO interface 304 between an eUICC 108 of a UE 102 and a terminal 302 is shown. In the second approach, logical channels associated with a given eSIM profile are grouped together using an eSIM port value. A unique eSIM port value may be assigned (or de-assigned) to each eSIM profile on the eUICC 108 using an application protocol data unit (APDU) command, such as a manage port APDU command or a manage ULI APDU command. Each different eSIM port may support one or more (up to a maximum allowed number per eSIM port) different logical channels. Each internal logical channel operating within the terminal 302 may be associated with a unique identifier value using a combination of an eSIM port value and a logical channel value. A single logical channel represented as a channel identifier set {P0, CH0} using a combination of an eSIM port value 0 (P0) and a channel identifier value 2 (CH0) is used for communication between the terminal 302 and the ISD-R in the eUICC 108. A set of three logical channels using the eSIM port value 1 (P1) and channel identifier values ​​0, 1, and 2 (CH0, CH1, CH2) are used for communication between the terminal 302 and profile A. A first logical channel associated with the eSIM port value 1 and the channel identifier value 0 (CH0) is used for communication with the STK of the eSIM profile A. A second logical channel associated with the eSIM port value 1 and the channel identifier value 1 (CH1) is used for communication with the USIM application of the eSIM profile A, and a third logical channel associated with the eSIM port value 1 and the channel identifier 2 (CH2) is used for communication with the ISIM application of the eSIM profile A. Similarly, a second set of three logical channels associated with the eSIM port value 2 and the channel identifier values ​​0, 1, and 2 (CH0, CH1, CH2) are used for communication between the terminal 302 and the STK, USIM application, and ISIM application of profile B on the eUICC 108. Each logical channel traversing the ISO interface 304 between the terminal 302 and the eUICC 108 is assigned a unique logical channel value based on a combination of the eSIM port value and the channel value. In some embodiments, a maximum number of logical channel values ​​is allowed, for example, for each eSIM port value, no more than a total of 20 logical channels may be assigned simultaneously. Figure 3BAs shown, each logical channel is assigned a uniquely identifiable logical channel identifier value represented as a set {eSIM port value, channel value}. Messages transmitted via the ISO interface 304 between the terminal 302 and the eUICC 108 may include a uniquely identifiable logical channel identifier value (e.g., a combination of the eSIM port value and the channel value) to allow a receiving entity (the terminal 302 or the eUICC 108) to identify the intended recipient of the message. Additionally and / or alternatively, messages transmitted via the ISO interface 304 between the terminal 302 and the eUICC 108 may be preceded by one or more APDU commands, such as a management port APDU command or a management ULI APDU command, wherein these APDU commands include a uniquely identifiable eSIM port value of the message following the APDU command.

[0025] Figure 3C The functions provided by the logical channels are shown based on Figure 3A and Figure 3B The scheme shown is mapped to a corresponding table 320 of different logical channel value assignments. In order to access and communicate with the ISD-R on the eUICC 108, the message may include a logical channel value (e.g., channel 2, when only the logical channel value is used to distinguish multiple logical channels, such as Figure 3A ) or a combination of eSIM port value and channel value (for example, {eSIM port 0, channel 0}, as shown in Figure 3B ). Multiple logical channels may be assigned to multiple installed eSIMs 208 with different logical channel values ​​or eSIM port values ​​combined with the channel values ​​that distinguish the logical channels of a given eSIM 208. In some embodiments, a channel value of 0 combined with an eSIM port value of 0 is reserved for accessing the ISD-R of the eUICC 108. In some embodiments, a channel value of 0 combined with a non-zero eSIM port value is reserved for communication with the STK via a basic logical channel. In some embodiments, a non-zero channel value combined with a non-zero eSIM port value is used for communication with different eSIM applications (e.g., USIM and / or ISIM).

[0026] Figure 4A Shows the Figure 3A The plan and Figure 3B Table 400 of a first exemplary mapping of logical channel values ​​in a scheme of Figure 3C The correspondence shown is different, in which Figure 3A The logical channel value of the scheme is Figure 3BThere is no relationship between the combination of eSIM port value and channel value for , while in the mapping shown in table 400, the eSIM port value is reused as the logical channel number. In this case, the eSIM port value 0 and the same logical channel number 0 are reserved for accessing the ISD-R of the eUICC 108. In addition, the basic channel for STK communication with a given eSIM profile is associated with a logical channel value that is equal to the assigned eSIM port value, for example, for eSIM profile A, in Figure 3B The eSIM port value "X" assigned in the scheme is also used as Figure 3A The logical channel value of the same channel in the scheme. Figure 3A The other logical channel values ​​for the scheme of are chosen to be unique for communications across all eSIMs, while Figure 3B The channel value of the scheme may reuse the channel value used for communication with different eSIMs. In some embodiments, when the eSIM port is turned on (e.g., in a message transmitted in response to a manage port APDU command or a manage ULI APDU command), the value of the eSIM port may be returned. In some embodiments, when the port is turned on, for example, via a manage port APDU command or a manage ULI APDU command, or when the eSIM profile is enabled (e.g., in a message transmitted in response to an enable profile command or a store data APDU command for enabling an eSIM profile), the eSIM port value and / or the logical channel value of the eSIM profile may be returned.

[0027] Figure 4B The present invention shows the use of a first local profile assistant (LPA) 414 function on a processing circuit external to the eUICC 108. Figure 3A The multiplexing scheme based only on logical channel values ​​is different from that used by the second LPA 416 on the same (different) processing circuit outside the eUICC 108. Figure 3B FIG. 410 is another exemplary mapping of logical channel values ​​in a multiplexing scheme based on a combination of eSIM port values ​​and logical channel values. In some embodiments, the first LPA 414 may be a legacy, non-standardized (e.g., proprietary) LPA. In some embodiments, the second LPA 416 may be a standardized Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) LPA. The interpreter 412 functionality may be implemented on the eUICC 108 to allow the eUICC 108 to communicate with the user based on the eSIM port value. Figure 3A The multiplexing scheme based only on logical channel values ​​uses the logical channel values ​​on the internal state, and allows the logical channel values ​​inside the eUICC 108 to be used with the logical channel values ​​of the internal state. Figure 3BThe eUICC 108 may map between a combination of an eSIM port value and a channel value used by a standardized scheme of the present invention. When communicating with the first LPA 414 via a logical channel, the eUICC 108 may use the logical channel value in a message to distinguish between multiple eSIMs 208 and ISD-R access. When communicating with the second LPA 416 via a logical channel, the interpreter 412 of the eUICC 108 may map the internal eUICC logical channel value to an external {eSIM port value, channel value} combination in a message transmitted via an external interface to distinguish between multiple eSIMs 208 and ISD-R access. In some embodiments, the channel value for a basic channel (STK function) defaults to a zero value, and when the eSIM port for the eSIM 208 is switched on, the assigned logical channel value of the basic channel does not need to be returned. Figure 4B The eUICC 108 manages two different interfaces depending on the type of LPA interworking with the eUICC 108. In some embodiments, an interface of the eUICC 108 using a logical channel value may communicate with a first LPA 414, while another interface of the eUICC 108 may use a {eSIM port value, channel value} combination to communicate with a second LPA 416, such as an RSP-compliant LPA or a test platform implementing an RSP LPA.

[0028] Figure 4C The first interface for the first eUICC 108A is shown. Figure 3A The multiplexing scheme based only on logical channel values ​​is consistent with the multiplexing scheme used by the second interface on the eUICC 108B. Figure 3B FIG. 420 is another exemplary mapping of logical channel values ​​in a multiplexing scheme based on a combination of eSIM port values ​​and logical channel values. In some embodiments, the first interface of the first eUICC 108A may be a legacy, non-standardized interface (e.g., a proprietary interface), and the second interface of the second eUICC 108B may be a standardized RSP interface. In some embodiments, the first eUICC 108A may operate at least in part based on one or more legacy, non-standardized (e.g., proprietary) protocols, and the second eUICC 108B may operate at least in part based on one or more standardized RSP protocols. The interpreter 424 functionality may be implemented by an LPA 422 on a processing circuit external to the eUICC 108A / 108B to allow the first eUICC 108A to communicate with the second eUICC 108B based on the RSP protocol. Figure 3A The multiplexing scheme based only on logical channel values ​​is used to use the logical channel values ​​on the internal state, and to allow the second eUICC 108B to be based on Figure 3BThe standardized scheme of LPA 422 uses a combination of eSIM port value and channel value for logical channel allocation. LPA 422 includes an interpreter 424 to map between an internal logical channel value used on an internal state machine of LPA 422 and a combination of eSIM port value and channel value used for external communication with second eUICC 108B. When communicating with first eUICC 108A via a logical channel, LPA 422 may use the logical channel value in a message to distinguish between multiple eSIMs 208 and ISD-R access. When communicating with second eUICC 108B via a logical channel, interpreter 424 of LPA 422 may map the internal LPA logical channel value to an external {eSIM port value, channel value} combination in a message transmitted via an external interface to distinguish between multiple eSIMs 208 and ISD-R access. In some embodiments, the channel value for a basic channel (STK function) defaults to a zero value, and when the eSIM port for eSIM 208 is turned on, the allocated logical channel value of the basic channel does not need to be returned. Figure 4B The eUICC 108 of the present invention manages two different interfaces according to the type of LPA interworking with the eUICC 108. In some embodiments, an interface using only a logical channel value for distinguishing logical channels may be used for communicating with the first eUICC 108A, while another interface using a combination of {eSIM port value, channel value} to distinguish different logical channels may be used for communicating with the second eUICC 108B. In some embodiments, the second eUICC 108B may be an RSP-compliant eUICC, which may be included in the test platform for testing the LPA 422.

[0029] Figure 4D Shows the available Figure 4B and Figure 4CTable 430 of an exemplary logical channel interpreter mapping for the illustrated scheme. To access the ISD-R of the eUICC 108, the eSIM port number may be assigned a zero value for the logical channel associated with accessing the ISD-R of the eUICC 108 via the RSP standardized interface, and the channel number may be fixed to use a zero value. When accessing the ISD-R of the eUICC 108 via an interface based on a legacy logical channel number, any numerical value may be assigned, for example, a logical channel value "Z" as shown. When communicating over the basic logical channel (STK access) of the eSIM profile, a zero-valued channel number combined with the assigned eSIM port value may be used for the eSIM profile to identify the basic logical channel of the eSIM profile. The basic channel of each eSIM profile may use the same zero-valued channel number. However, the logical channel number used for the interface based only on the legacy logical channel value may be different for each eSIM profile. The logical channel value for the legacy interface must be different for each logical channel connected on the legacy interface. In some cases, these logical channel values ​​may be the same as the channel number values ​​(e.g., when the channel number values ​​for non-essential logical channels are different, such as Figure 4D ), or may be different from the channel number value (such as when the channel number value is reused across different eSIM profiles, such as Figure 3C as shown).

[0030] Figure 5 A flow chart 500 of an exemplary method for managing logical channel values ​​with multiple eSIMs is shown, the method being performed by an apparatus of a wireless device 102. At 502, the apparatus associates a first set of one or more logical channels for communication with a first eSIM 208 installed on an eUICC 108 of the wireless device 102. At 504, in some embodiments, the apparatus associates a second set of one or more logical channels for communication with a second eSIM 208 installed on an eUICC 108 of the wireless device 102 at the same time as the first eSIM 208. At 506, the apparatus maps a first message received via a first external interface to a first logical channel of one or more logical channels associated with the first eSIM 208, wherein the first message includes an eSIM port value and a channel value to identify the first logical channel. At 508, the apparatus maps a second message received via a second external interface to a second logical channel of one or more logical channels associated with the first eSIM 208, wherein the second message includes a logical channel value of the first set of one or more logical channels to identify the second logical channel.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first external interface and the second external interface use a common physical interface; the physical interface is configured as the first external interface to identify different logical channels using a combination of an eSIM port value and a channel value; and the physical interface is configured as the second external interface to identify different logical channels using only a logical channel value. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an interpreter 412 functional block operating on an eUICC 108 of the wireless device 102. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an interpreter 424 functional block operating on an LPA 422 of the wireless device 102. In some embodiments, the apparatus associates a second set of one or more logical channel values ​​with one or more logical channels for communication with a second eSIM 208 installed on the eUICC 108 of the wireless device 102 at the same time as the first eSIM 208, wherein each logical channel value in the first set of one or more logical channel values ​​and the second set of one or more logical channel values ​​is different. In some embodiments, the apparatus maps a second message received via the first external interface to a second logical channel of the one or more logical channels associated with the first eSIM 208, wherein the second message includes an eSIM port value (as in the first message and associated with the first eSIM 208) and a second channel value to identify the second logical channel. In some embodiments, the apparatus associates a non-zero logical channel value with the second logical channel, the second logical channel being used for communication with an issuer security root domain (ISD-R) of the eUICC 108.

[0032] Figure 6 A detailed view of a representative computing device 600 that can be used to implement the various methods described herein is shown according to some embodiments. In particular, the detailed view shows that a computer system that can be included in Figure 1 The various components in the UE 102 are shown. Figure 6As shown, the computing device 600 may include a processor 602 representing a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the computing device 600. The computing device 600 may also include a user input device 608 that allows a user of the computing device 600 to interact with the computing device 600. For example, the user input device 608 may take a variety of forms, such as buttons, keypads, dials, touch screens, audio input interfaces, visual / image capture input interfaces, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Further, the computing device 600 may include a display 610 that can be controlled by the processor 602 to display information to the user. The data bus 616 may facilitate data transmission between at least the storage device 640, the processor 602, and the controller 613. The controller 613 can be used to interface with and control different equipment through the equipment control bus 614. The computing device 600 may also include a network / bus interface 611 coupled to the data link 612. In the case of a wireless connection, the network / bus interface 611 may include a wireless transceiver.

[0033] The computing device 600 also includes a storage device 640, which may include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., a hard drive) and a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the storage device 640. In some embodiments, the storage device 640 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid-state) memory, etc. The computing device 600 may also include a random access memory (RAM) 620 and a read-only memory (ROM) 622. The ROM 622 may store programs, utilities, or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM 620 may provide volatile data storage and store instructions related to the operation of the computing device 600. The computing device 600 may also include a secure element (SE) 650, which may represent the eUICC 108 of the UE 102.

[0034] Wireless Technology According to various embodiments described herein, the terms "wireless communication device", "wireless device", "mobile device", "mobile station" and "user equipment" (UE) may be used interchangeably herein to describe one or any number of common consumer electronic devices that may be capable of performing the processes associated with various embodiments of the present disclosure. According to various specific implementations, any of these consumer electronic devices may relate to: a cellular phone or smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop or notebook computer, a media player device, an e-book device, a MiFi ® devices, wearable computing devices, and any other type of electronic computing device with fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR), or similar “later generation” cellular wireless access communications capabilities.

[0035] In addition, it should be understood that the UE described herein may be configured as a multi-mode wireless device capable of communicating via traditional third generation (3G) and / or second generation (2G) RATs in addition to being able to communicate using 4G wireless networks and using one or more different wireless local area networks. The multi-mode UE may include support for communicating according to one or more different wireless communication protocols developed by standard entities, such as 3GPP's Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), LTE, LTE-A, and 5G NR standards or 3GPP2's CDMA2000 (1xRTT, 2xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD) standards. The multi-mode UE may also support the use of wireless local area network protocols (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX)) and wireless personal area network protocols (e.g., Bluetooth ® Multiple wireless communication protocols can provide complementary functions and / or different services for multi-mode UEs.

[0036] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0037] The various aspects, embodiments, specific implementations or features of the embodiments may be used individually or in any combination. In addition, some aspects of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware or by a combination of hardware and software. The embodiments may also be implemented as computer program codes stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may be associated with any data storage device capable of storing data that can be read thereafter by a computer or computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include read-only memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, solid-state disk (SSD or flash memory), HDD, DVD, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium may also be distributed on a network-coupled computer system so that the computer program code may be executed in a distributed manner.

[0038] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific naming to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some of these specific details are not required to practice the embodiments. Therefore, the above description of specific embodiments herein is presented for the purpose of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive, all-inclusive, or to limit the described embodiments to the disclosed precise form or details. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, based on the above teachings, many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the essence and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) configured to operate in a wireless device, the eUICC comprising: a first external interface; as well as a processor communicatively coupled to a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the eUICC to: receiving a first message via the first external interface, the first message comprising an electronic subscriber identity module eSIM port value and a channel value; as well as mapping the first message to a first logical channel of one or more logical channels associated with a first eSIM installed on the eUICC based on the eSIM port value and the channel value, Wherein a first set of one or more logical channel values ​​is associated with one or more logical channels for communication between an external processor coupled to the eUICC and the first eSIM installed on the eUICC.

2. The eUICC according to claim 1, wherein: The eUICC further includes a second external interface; and The eUICC is further configured to: receiving, via the second external interface, a second message including a logical channel value from the first set of one or more logical channel values; as well as The second message is mapped to a second logical channel of the one or more logical channels associated with the first eSIM based on the logical channel value.

3. The eUICC according to claim 2, wherein: The first external interface and the second external interface use a common physical interface; The common physical interface is configured as the first external interface to identify different logical channels using a combination of an eSIM port value and a channel value; as well as The common physical interface is configured as the second external interface to identify different logical channels using only logical channel values.

4. The eUICC according to claim 3, wherein: The first external interface connects the eUICC to a first Local Profile Assistant (LPA) operating on the external processor; as well as The second external interface connects the eUICC to a second local LPA operating on the external processor.

5. The eUICC of claim 1 , further comprising an interpreter function block operating on the processor of the eUICC.

6. The eUICC according to claim 1, wherein the eUICC is further configured to: associating a second set of one or more logical channel values ​​with one or more logical channels for communicating with a second eSIM installed on the eUICC concurrently with the first eSIM, Each logical channel value in the first set and the second set of one or more logical channel values ​​is different.

7. The eUICC according to claim 6, wherein the eUICC is further configured to: receiving, via the first external interface, a second message including the eSIM port value and a second channel value; and The second message is mapped to a second logical channel of the one or more logical channels associated with the first eSIM based on the eSIM port value and the second channel value.

8. The eUICC according to claim 1, wherein the eUICC is further configured to: Associating a non-zero logical channel value with a second logical channel for communicating with a root issuer security domain ISD-R of the eUICC.

9. A method for wireless communication by an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC), the method comprising: receiving, via a first external interface of the eUICC, a first message including an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) port value and a channel value; as well as mapping the first message to a first logical channel of one or more logical channels associated with a first eSIM installed on the eUICC based on the eSIM port value and the channel value, Wherein a first set of one or more logical channel values ​​is associated with one or more logical channels for communication between an external processor coupled to the eUICC and the first eSIM installed on the eUICC.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: receiving, via a second external interface of the eUICC, a second message including a logical channel value from the first set of one or more logical channel values; as well as The second message is mapped to a second logical channel of the one or more logical channels associated with the first eSIM based on the logical channel value.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The combination of an eSIM port value and a channel value identifies different logical channels for communicating via the first external interface of the eUICC; as well as The logical-channel-only value identifies a different logical channel used for communication via the second external interface of the eUICC.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first external interface connects the eUICC to a first Local Profile Assistant (LPA) operating on the external processor; and The second external interface connects the eUICC to a second local LPA operating on the external processor.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein an interpreter function operates the eUICC to map a message received by the eUICC via the first external interface or via the second external interface to a logical channel among the one or more logical channels.

14. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: associating a second set of one or more logical channel values ​​with one or more logical channels for communicating with a second eSIM installed on the eUICC concurrently with the first eSIM, Each logical channel value in the first set and the second set of one or more logical channel values ​​is different.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: receiving, via the first external interface, a second message including the eSIM port value and a second channel value; as well as The second message is mapped to a second logical channel of the one or more logical channels associated with the first eSIM based on the eSIM port value and the second channel value.

16. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Associating a non-zero logical channel value with a second logical channel for communicating with a root issuer security domain ISD-R of the eUICC.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor of an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC), configure the eUICC to: receiving, via a first external interface of the eUICC, a first message including an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) port value and a channel value; and mapping the first message to a first logical channel of one or more logical channels associated with a first eSIM installed on the eUICC based on the eSIM port value and the channel value, Wherein a first set of one or more logical channel values ​​is associated with one or more logical channels for communication between an external processor coupled to the eUICC and the first eSIM installed on the eUICC.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, further comprising instructions for configuring the eUICC to: receiving, via a second external interface of the eUICC, a second message including a logical channel value from the first set of one or more logical channel values; and The second message is mapped to a second logical channel of the one or more logical channels associated with the first eSIM based on the logical channel value.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein: The first external interface and the second external interface use a common physical interface; The common physical interface is configured as the first external interface to identify different logical channels using a combination of an eSIM port value and a channel value; as well as The common physical interface is configured as the second external interface to identify different logical channels using only logical channel values.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein: The combination of an eSIM port value and a channel value identifies different logical channels for communicating via the first external interface of the eUICC; as well as The logical-channel-only value identifies a different logical channel used for communication via the second external interface of the eUICC.

Images