A system integration scheme of a bluetooth and esim data read-write module for a hardware device

Abstract

This application provides a complete solution for integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and eSIM systems in hardware devices. It includes a BLE eSIM module (BLE and eSIM integration, main control circuit design, and circuit software program), Bluetooth protocol, host computer program, and SDK encapsulation. The device communicates with the eSIM via a host computer network and program. It connects to a DP+ server using the SGP.22 protocol to read, write, and activate operator profile files. The device system switches communication modules with the eSIM through the main control, achieving network connectivity for the terminal device. Furthermore, this system integration solution also supports the SGP.32 protocol specification, remote management of the eSIM server, and distribution of operator profile configurations without requiring manual on-site operation. This solution is applicable to a wide range of network-enabled terminal devices and is a universal, complete hardware and software solution. It solves the problem of cumbersome integration of communication modules for different network device models, reduces terminal device requirements, lowers technical costs and deployment complexity, and improves the efficiency of eSIM reading, writing, downloading, and activation, making it suitable for resource-constrained scenarios such as IoT and LPWAN.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically to a method for reading and writing eSIM profiles via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and eSIM, and a complete hardware and software system integration solution, which significantly reduces deployment complexity and simultaneously reduces bandwidth and energy consumption. It is particularly suitable for resource-constrained scenarios such as IoT and LPWAN, and IoT terminal devices that require network connectivity. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of eSIM technology (embedded SIM cards and removable eSIM cards), users can connect to a designated operator's network and enable communication capabilities by sending commands to the eSIM through software.

[0003] In existing eSIM device integration solutions, an LPA (IoT Profile Assistant) is integrated into the device's communication module or main control MCU to read and write eSIM profiles. This LPA integration method requires extensive and tedious R&D work to adapt to different communication module models and to handle the switching between the device's modem and the LPA for eSIM communication. It is technically demanding and consumes significant time and resources. In terms of usage, the initial network connection requires a seed number or the use of a SIM card slot for initial profile download and activation, and may even necessitate device disassembly. This places excessive demands on on-site device operation, resulting in low efficiency and cumbersome procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a complete solution for integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and eSIM systems in hardware devices. The solution includes a BLE eSIM module (BLE and eSIM, main control circuit design, circuit software program), Bluetooth protocol, firmware flashing, host computer program and SDK encapsulation. The device communicates with the eSIM via a host computer network and program. It connects to a DP+ server using the SGP.22 protocol to configure operator profile files for reading, writing, and activation. The device system switches communication modules with the eSIM through the main control, achieving network connectivity for the terminal device. This solution is applicable to a wide range of network-enabled terminal devices and is a universal, complete hardware and software solution. It solves the problem of cumbersome integration of communication modules for different models of network-enabled devices, reduces terminal device requirements and technical costs, and improves the efficiency of eSIM download and activation. Furthermore, this system integration solution also supports the SGP.32 protocol specification, remote management of the eIM server, and distribution of operator profile configurations without requiring manual on-site operation, truly achieving "local access across borders." It simplifies the many-to-many connection between operators and devices into a "one-to-one platform", significantly reducing deployment complexity and simultaneously reducing bandwidth and energy consumption, making it particularly suitable for resource-constrained scenarios such as NB-IoT and LPWAN.

[0005] The detailed steps of the hardware device low-power Bluetooth and eSIM system integration solution provided in this application include: Firstly, the terminal device has a communication module and a power supply system, and integrates this solution's system package. The packaging can be module packaging, chip packaging, or directly mounted on the circuit. The eSIM form factor is not limited to eSIM chips and eSIM plug-in cards. The independent circuit adaptation range supports 1.8V to 3.3V.

[0006] Step S1: First, the host computer program connects to the terminal device via Bluetooth and reads the eSIM data. Then, it connects to the DP+ server via the network to request a profile data packet for the eSIM. The data transmission format between the host computer program and the terminal device via Bluetooth is: LEN (4 bytes, network byte order) + DATA (LEN length). During Bluetooth data transmission, if a connection problem occurs (protocol stack disconnection event), the state record and buffer are reset, awaiting subsequent connection. The program also actively resets the local socket connection with the LPA service to prompt the LPA service to reset its state.

[0007] In step S2, the host computer program sends the profile data packet to the BLE eSIM module of the terminal device via the Bluetooth protocol. The BLE eSIM module parses the received data and writes the obtained profile configuration file into the eSIM. During data transmission, the Bluetooth RX_CHARACTERISTIC and TX_CHARACTERISTIC data transmission and reception can be optimized to some extent. It is not necessary to buffer data and check whether all data has been received before forwarding; the received data can be forwarded directly. However, it is still necessary to record the LEN length of the first data packet and calculate the remaining data after each forwarding to ensure that it can determine whether the forwarding is complete and thus enter the next transmission and reception state.

[0008] Step S3: After the BLE eSIM module successfully activates its profile, it notifies the terminal device to refresh the eSIM data. The communication module then performs network registration, enabling the terminal device to connect to the network. The Bluetooth eSIM module profile download and activation logic of this application is applicable to all eligible terminal devices. It only requires compatibility with Bluetooth protocols and standard packaging such as the ISO7816 protocol, eliminating the difficulties of integrating an LPA and coordinating information exchange between the eSIM and the communication module. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 Hardware Principles Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit principle for controlling the BLE and terminal device communication module to communicate and interact with eSIM through the main control chip in one embodiment; the logic method of this application is not limited to the circuit design form.

[0010] Figure 2 Hardware Principles Figure 2 In one embodiment, the main control system is placed in the eSIM chip, and the circuit diagram shows the communication interaction between the BLE and the terminal device communication module and the eSIM through the eSIM main control system; the logic method of this application is not limited to the circuit design form.

[0011] Figure 3 Hardware Principles Figure 3 In one embodiment, the main control system is placed in the BLE chip, and the circuit diagram shows the communication interaction between the BLE and the terminal device communication module and the eSIM through the main control system in the BLE; the logic method of this application is not limited to the circuit design form.

[0012] Figure 4 The application environment diagram is a schematic diagram of an application environment in which a terminal device uses Bluetooth to implement eSIM configuration file download communication in one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 The flowchart is a schematic diagram of the process of a terminal device downloading via a Bluetooth eSIM module in an example.

[0014] Figure 6 The operation steps diagram is a complete flowchart of the terminal device's Bluetooth connection operation, eSIM download profile configuration file, and network access in an example.

[0015] Figure 7 The information flow diagram is a complete interactive information flow illustration of downloading the profile configuration file in one instance.

[0016] Figure 8 The eIM application environment diagram is a schematic diagram of an application environment in which a terminal device that has been connected to the network remotely realizes communication between the SM-DP+ system of different operators and the device-side eSIM configuration file download through the eIM system of the SGP.32 protocol specification in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 The operation steps diagram illustrates the complete process of a network-connected terminal device remotely downloading profile configuration files and joining the network via the eIM system of the SGP.32 protocol specification through different operators' SM-DP+ systems and the device's eSIM. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed and complete description of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] In related technologies, regardless of whether a terminal device with network connectivity needs has a page display function, in eSIM device solutions, the provision of an initial network and the integration of communication modules of different devices with LPA (IoT Profile Assistant) to achieve the purpose of reading and writing eSIM profile files are all unavoidable drawbacks, including a large amount of R&D adaptation work, technical difficulty, and high costs.

[0020] Example 1

[0021] According to Embodiment 1 of this application, a solution example is provided that is applicable to a wide range of terminal devices with networking needs, and is convenient, fast, and cost-effective in integration. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings... Figure 6 The operation steps shown can be executed in systems such as host computer devices, engineering machines, and mobile phones. Although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0022] Figure 1 The terminal device described in this application integrates the hardware schematic of the BLE eSIM module (including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), eSIM, main control chip, and protocol processing system) provided in this application. The main control chip controls the BLE and terminal device communication module to communicate and interact with the eSIM. It should be noted that the logical method of this application is not limited to the circuit design form.

[0023] like Figure 2 The main control system is located in the eSIM chip. The circuit diagram shows the communication principle of the BLE and terminal device communication module through the eSIM main control system.

[0024] like Figure 3 The main control system is located in the BLE chip. The circuit diagram shows the interaction between the BLE and the terminal device communication module and the eSIM communication through the main control system in BLE.

[0025] The above are all integration methods of the Bluetooth eSIM module in the terminal device of this application.

[0026] Figure 4This application demonstrates the connection relationship between the BLE eSIM module integrated into the terminal device and the eSIM profile download method. The host computer program and the terminal device communicate via Bluetooth, and the host computer includes, but is not limited to, engineering equipment, mobile phones, and tablets. The SM-DP+ server serves as the management server for the operator's eSIM profile, and communicates with the host computer program via the SGP.22 protocol.

[0027] Figure 6 This document describes the complete operational flow of the hardware device integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and eSIM system, as provided in the example of this application. It details the communication process between the terminal device's communication module and the BLE eSIM module, along with the host computer program and server. Key steps include the terminal device's self-test upon startup, communication module startup, and eSIM data read / write. Specifically, after the terminal device starts, the program performs a self-test of each module, and the BLE eSIM module is ready. The host computer program connects to the device via Bluetooth, establishes a connection with the eSIM, and reads eSIM data such as eID. An operator activation code is entered or a QR code is scanned. The host computer program connects to the DP+ server for verification, first checking the compliance of the submitted information and link, then confirming the accuracy and usability of the profile configuration file. If so, an SGP.22 secure channel is established, the profile configuration file is downloaded, and written to the eSIM via the Bluetooth protocol channel. The activation command is then actively executed. Upon successful activation, the Bluetooth connection between the terminal device and the host computer program is disconnected. The BLE eSIM module simultaneously notifies the terminal device's communication module to refresh the eSIM profile data. The communication module initiates the network registration process, and the terminal device successfully joins the network.

[0028] Figure 7This diagram illustrates the complete information flow of Bluetooth connection operation, eSIM profile download, and network access for the terminal device integrated with the eSIM system described in this application. The information flow steps are as follows: The host computer program connects to the terminal device's Bluetooth eSIM via Bluetooth, obtains eSIM data, inputs the operator activation code or scans a QR code, establishes an SGP.22 protocol link with the DP+ server, and verifies the eSIM data and profile configuration information. The host computer program obtains the profile configuration returned by the DP+ server, transmits the profile to the terminal device's eSIM via Bluetooth, and performs an activation operation. After successful eSIM profile activation, the connection between the host computer program and the Bluetooth eSIM module is disconnected. Simultaneously, the Bluetooth eSIM module information is synchronized to the terminal device's communication module for status updates. The communication module initiates network access operations based on the activated profile, enabling the entire terminal device to successfully access the network.

[0029] The following section provides a detailed explanation of the complete solution for integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) with eSIM systems in hardware devices, using specific examples.

[0030] According to the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the method by which the terminal device reads, writes, and downloads the profile configuration file through the BLE eSIM module and the host computer program to achieve network access specifically includes:

[0031] Step S1: First, the host computer program connects to the terminal device via Bluetooth and reads the eSIM data. Then, it connects to the DP+ server via the network to request a profile data packet for the eSIM. The data transmission format between the host computer program and the terminal device via Bluetooth is: LEN (4 bytes, network byte order) + DATA (LEN length). During Bluetooth data transmission, if a connection problem occurs (protocol stack disconnection event), the state record and buffer are reset, awaiting subsequent connection. The program also actively resets the local socket connection with the LPA service to prompt the LPA service to reset its state.

[0032] In step S2, the host computer program sends the profile data packet to the BLE eSIM module of the terminal device via the Bluetooth protocol. The BLE eSIM module parses the received data and writes the obtained profile configuration file into the eSIM. During data transmission, the Bluetooth RX_CHARACTERISTIC and TX_CHARACTERISTIC data transmission and reception can be optimized to some extent. It is not necessary to buffer data and check whether all data has been received before forwarding; the received data can be forwarded directly. However, it is still necessary to record the LEN length of the first data packet and calculate the remaining data after each forwarding to ensure that it can determine whether the forwarding is complete and thus enter the next transmission and reception state.

[0033] Step S3: After the BLE eSIM module successfully activates its profile, it notifies the terminal device to refresh the eSIM data. The communication module then performs network registration, enabling the terminal device to connect to the network. The Bluetooth eSIM module profile download and activation logic of this application is applicable to all eligible terminal devices. It only requires compatibility with Bluetooth protocols and standard packaging such as the ISO7816 protocol, eliminating the difficulties of integrating an LPA and coordinating information exchange between the eSIM and the communication module.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] According to Embodiment 2 of this application, after the terminal device has network connectivity functionality via Embodiment 1 or by having a seed number written at the factory, it can be remotely managed directly through the eIM system conforming to the SGP.32 protocol specification to operate the device's eSIM to read and write different operator profile configuration files and switch network access functions. This reduces manual on-site operation and greatly improves work efficiency.

[0036] The following example provides a detailed explanation of the complete solution for integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and eSIM systems in hardware devices, as described in Embodiment 2.

[0037] Figure 8 The terminal device in Embodiment 2 of this application, having been programmed with a seed number in Embodiment 1 or at the factory, already possesses network connectivity. The eIM server establishes an SGP.32 protocol verification channel between the device and the SM-DP+ server, enabling the display of the eSIM profile read / write relationship. The SM-DP+ server serves as the management server for profile configuration files from different operators.

[0038] Figure 9Example 2 of this application provides a remote management process for the eIM system, which uses the SGP.32 protocol to remotely operate the device's eSIM to read and write different operator profile configuration files and switch network access functions. This process includes key steps such as terminal device startup self-test, communication module startup, and eSIM data read / write. Specifically, after the device starts, the program self-tests each module, confirming that the operator configuration profile has been activated for network access. The terminal device connects to the eIM platform and reports data via the SGP.32 protocol. The eIM system verifies the device status and eSIM information, establishes a connection with the SM-DP+ server, downloads the profile configuration file to the device through the SGP.32 secure channel, transmits it to the eSIM, and executes the switchover and activation command. Upon success, the BLE eSIM module synchronously notifies the terminal device's communication module to refresh the eSIM profile data. The communication module then initiates the network access process, and the terminal device successfully switches to the network.

Claims

1. A method for reading and writing Bluetooth BLE and eSIM profiles for hardware devices and a complete hardware and software system integration solution, including a BLE eSIM module (Bluetooth BLE and eSIM, main control circuit design, circuit software program), Bluetooth protocol, host computer program and SDK encapsulation, connecting the device to communicate with the eSIM via the host computer network and host computer program, connecting to the DP+ server to configure operator profile file reading, writing and activation via SGP.22 protocol, and the device system switching the communication module to communicate with the eSIM through the main control to achieve the purpose of terminal device networking.

2. The integration method according to claim 1, further comprising the following hardware features: It integrates a Bluetooth BLE chip, eSIM, and a main control chip. The main control chip controls the BLE and terminal device communication modules to communicate and interact with the eSIM, and is not limited to any particular circuit design.

3. The integration method according to claim 1, further comprising the following hardware features: The main control system is located in the eSIM chip. The eSIM main control system controls the BLE and terminal device communication modules to communicate and interact with the eSIM, and is not limited to any particular circuit design.

4. The integration method according to claim 1, further comprising the following hardware features: The main control system is located in the BLE chip. The main control system in BLE controls the BLE and terminal device communication modules to communicate and interact with eSIM, and is not limited to any particular circuit design.

5. A Bluetooth BLE eSIM module, characterized in that, It includes a data interaction processing module for the eSIM chip and the Bluetooth chip.

6. A Bluetooth BLE eSIM module, characterized in that, It includes a data interaction processing module for the eSIM card and Bluetooth chip.

7. A method for integrating eSIM to read, write, and download profile configuration files in a terminal device, characterized in that: The terminal device integrates an eSIM (chip or SIM card slot) and a Bluetooth chip, and the method includes: The host computer program connects to the terminal device via Bluetooth, reads eSIM data, and connects to the DP+ server via the network to request profile data packets for the eSIM. The host computer program sends the profile data packet to the BLE eSIM module of the terminal device via Bluetooth protocol. The BLE eSIM module parses the received data and writes the profile configuration file into the eSIM. The BLE eSIM module notifies the terminal device to refresh the eSIM data, enabling the terminal device to register on the network.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Connect the terminal device to the host computer program so that the host computer program can display and access the management interface of the terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the Bluetooth module of the terminal device is connected to the host computer program, and its feature is further... Includes Bluetooth and eSIM data processing modules.

10. A low-power Bluetooth BLE and eSIM system for a terminal device, characterized in that, The system includes a host computer program, a Bluetooth eSIM terminal device, and an SM-DP+ server; wherein the terminal also includes a protocol conversion module, an eSIM communication module, and a Bluetooth protocol module.

11. A hardware and software integration scheme for a remote management eSIM configuration file reading and writing system for hardware devices, characterized in that, By establishing a connection channel between the device and SM-DP+ according to the SGP.32 standard through the eIM remote management platform, remote reading and writing of the device's eSIM configuration file is achieved, and the device network is successfully switched.

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