Method for managing subscriber identity module (SIM) applications and system for using same

Abstract

A subscriber identity module (SIM) application management system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions and a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to: receive a SIM application from a SIM application provider, obtain a subscriber list including at least one subscriber from a mobile network operator, receive instructions directly from the SIM application provider, and customize a SIM card of a mobile device associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application in accordance with the instructions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for managing Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) applications and a system for using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In the telecommunications industry, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card is installed in a mobile device for operation. Currently, two types of SIM cards are used on the market: physical SIM cards and eSIM (embedded SIM) cards. Each type of SIM card stores a SIM application developed by a SIM application provider. Generally, the SIM application provider provides the SIM application to a mobile network operator, i.e., a wireless service provider, and the mobile network operator loads the SIM application onto a physical SIM card or an eSIM card. In other words, the mobile network operator is responsible for installing the SIM application developed by the SIM application provider onto the SIM card. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In some embodiments, a subscriber identity module (SIM) application management system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The system further includes a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The processor is configured to execute the instructions for receiving a SIM application from a SIM application provider. The processor is further configured to execute the instructions for obtaining a subscriber list including at least one subscriber from a mobile network operator. The processor is further configured to execute the instructions for receiving instructions directly from the SIM application provider. The processor is further configured to execute the instructions for customizing a SIM card of a mobile device associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application in accordance with the instructions.

[0004] In some embodiments, a subscriber identity module (SIM) application management method includes receiving a SIM application from a SIM application provider. The method further includes obtaining a subscriber list including at least one subscriber from a mobile network operator. The method further includes receiving instructions directly from the SIM application provider. The method further includes customizing a SIM card of a mobile device associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application in accordance with the instructions.

[0005] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is configured to store instructions that cause a processor executing the instructions to perform a subscriber identity module (SIM) application management method. The instructions cause the processor to receive a SIM application from a SIM application provider. The instructions further cause the processor to obtain a subscriber list including at least one subscriber from a mobile network operator. The instructions further cause the processor to receive instructions directly from the SIM application provider. The instructions further cause the processor to customize a SIM card in a mobile device associated with at least one subscriber having the SIM application according to the instructions.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, according to standard industry practice, various features have not been drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a SIM application management system according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a method for managing SIM applications according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for managing SIM applications according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc. are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc. are contemplated. For example, the formation of a first feature on or over a second feature in the following description can include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact with each other, and can also include embodiments in which an additional feature may be formed between the first and second features such that the first and second features are not in direct contact with each other. Additionally, the disclosure may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for the purposes of brevity and clarity and does not, in itself, dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0009] In the telecommunications industry, SIM applications are loaded onto SIM cards of mobile devices through a customization process. The customization process for physical SIM cards generally includes the following stages: In the first stage, a mobile network operator shares a SIM file specification, which includes detailed information about an existing file system, with a SIM card vendor. The SIM vendor develops, manufactures, tests, and packages integrated circuit (IC) chips, finishes SIM products, and develops SIM operation system software. In the second stage, the SIM operation system software is loaded in the SIM card vendor's personalization center. In the third step, the mobile network operator sends a profile including the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), Integrated Circuit Card Identification (ICCID), Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN), etc. to the personalization center, which then outputs the network key and Over the Air (OTA) key to the mobile network operator in a secure format. In the fourth step, the mobile network operator provisions the IMSI and network key in the Home Location Register (HLR). In the fifth step, the mobile network operator customizes the physical SIM card via an OTA server.

[0010] The customization process for an eSIM card differs from that for a physical SIM card. The customization process for an eSIM card includes the following stages: In the first stage, an Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) is certificate-personalized and assembled into a mobile device. In the second stage, a SIM card file system for creating a SIM profile template is provided to the Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SMDP). In the third stage, the SIM profile template is provided to the personalization center of the SMDP. In the fourth stage, the mobile network operator provides all subscriber-related information, such as the IMSI, ICCID, and MSISDN. In the fifth stage, the SIM profile template is personalized with the subscriber-related information and stored in the profile inventory of the SMDP. In the sixth stage, the personalization center outputs the network key, OTA key, and application key to the mobile network operator for provisioning in the HLR in the seventh stage. In the eighth stage, the profile reservation process is performed, for example, via the es2+ interface. In the ninth step, the mobile network operator orders a SIM profile, and in the tenth step, the mobile network operator generates a QR code and provides it to the subscriber. When the subscriber scans the QR code with their mobile device, the SIM profile is downloaded to the eSIM card of the mobile device. In the final step, the mobile network operator customizes the physical SIM card via an OTA server.

[0011] As explained above, the customization process for physical SIM cards or eSIM cards with SIM applications is complex. During the customization process, a SIM application provider provides SIM application files to a mobile network operator for SIM card customization. However, the SIM application provider does not have the authority to control the SIM application structure in the SIM card's SIM memory. The mobile network operator has the control to perform SIM card customization with the SIM application. Therefore, because the SIM application files, i.e., SIM applet binaries, are provided by the mobile network provider, testing these SIM application files becomes very complicated for the SIM application provider. Furthermore, SIM application providers often face a situation where SIM applications are installed on a large number of SIM cards, but the number of active subscribers for the SIM application is low. Therefore, SIM application providers spend a lot of money customizing SIM cards with SIM applications that are not actively used. As a result, SIM card storage space is often wasted without providing any services that mobile device users utilize.

[0012] In some embodiments, a subscriber identity module (SIM) application management system is provided that allows a SIM application provider to select several subscribers, customize SIM cards for mobile devices associated with the subscribers, and control SIM applications within the SIM cards. This system helps reduce storage of unused applications on the SIM cards. This system also helps reduce fees to SIM application providers by limiting customized SIM cards to only users or subscribers who are likely to utilize SIM applications. This provides users or subscribers more opportunities to improve the efficiency of SIM card storage within mobile devices based on the user's or subscriber's needs and preferences.

[0013] 1 is a schematic diagram of a SIM application management system according to some embodiments. The SIM application management system 100 is implemented using a mobile network 102. In some embodiments, the SIM application management system 100 is implemented in multiple different mobile networks. The SIM application management system 100 receives or exchanges data with a SIM application provider 104 and a mobile network operator 112 via the mobile network 102.

[0014] The SIM application provider 104 develops SIM applications for SIM cards. In this disclosure, a "SIM" card is understood to refer to a physical SIM card or an eSIM card. In some embodiments, the SIM application provider 104 develops more than one SIM application. In some embodiments, the SIM application provider 104 refers to more than one SIM application provider. The SIM application provider 104 develops various types of SIM applications, such as a SIM toolkit application, a banking application, and a currency application. Examples of SIM Toolkit applications include, but are not limited to, Network Triggered Multi-IMSI (NTMI), Celltick LiveScreen 16.1, Native UICC Telecom OS (NUTos), smart monitoring, phonebook applications, generic OTA poller for IOT devices, ARA-M / ARA-C, HTTP callback applet, IMEI tracker, dual IMSI, smart roaming, launch URL, WIB Plug-OTKENCR, IMEI locker, Secure Bank OTP, static STK, multilingual dynamic STK, and Quality of Service (QoS). Examples of banking applications include, but are not limited to, mass card payment pass, visa payment pass, etc. Examples of transit applications include, but are not limited to, bus applications, metro rail payment applications, etc.

[0015] In some embodiments, SIM application management system 100 includes a SIM application repository 106, a SIM application store 108, a SIM application management portal 110, and an over-the-air (OTA) server 114. In some embodiments, SIM application management system 100 executes a SIM application management cycle that includes stages 1-6 described below.

[0016] In phase 1 of the SIM application management cycle, the SIM application provider 104 provides or uploads a SIM application file for a SIM application to the SIM application repository 106. The SIM application repository 106 can be controllable or manageable by a processor or hardware. The SIM application repository 106 receives and collects one or more SIM application files from the SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, the SIM application file comprises a SIM applet CAP (Compiled Applet) file. In some embodiments, the SIM application file comprises other file formats. In some embodiments, if the SIM application is a banking application, the banking application provider creates a security domain within the application file for the banking application.

[0017] In phase 2 of the SIM application management cycle, tests of application files in the SIM application repository 106 are performed to determine whether the SIM application meets predetermined requirements. In some embodiments, the tests are performed based on the Java Card standard. In some embodiments, the tests are performed based on a different computer programming standard. In some embodiments, the tests are performed automatically in response to the SIM application repository 106 receiving the SIM application file. In some embodiments, the tests are performed in response to receiving a request or command over a network.

[0018] In some embodiments, the results of the testing of the application file indicate whether the SIM application received from the SIM application provider 104 is compatible with the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator 112. In some embodiments, the testing is performed to determine whether the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator 112 has sufficient memory to customize the SIM card with the SIM application provided by the SIM application provider 104. In response to determining that the SIM application is incompatible with the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator, for example, because the size of the SIM application file exceeds the memory of the SIM card or the memory allowed for the SIM application, a notification is provided to the SIM application provider 104. In such a case, the SIM application provider 104 modifies the SIM application file and uploads the modified SIM application file back to the SIM application repository 106. In response to determining that the SIM application is compatible with the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator, the SIM application file is moved to the SIM application store 108. The SIM application store 108 stores all SIM applications that meet predetermined requirements or standards. The SIM application store 108 is accessible by the SIM application provider 104 over a network.

[0019] Additionally, in phase 2 of the SIM application management cycle, the SIM application management system 100 links SIM applications moved to the SIM application store 108 to the corresponding SIM application provider 104. In such cases, the corresponding SIM application provider 104 can access the SIM application for customization at a later stage. In some embodiments, an identification code / number is generated to link the SIM application in the SIM application store to the corresponding SIM application provider. The identification code / number is transmitted by a transmitter to the SIM application provider 104.

[0020] The SIM application store 108 is included in the SIM application management system 100's SIM application management portal 110. The SIM application management portal 110 is an accessible, centralized platform for securely connecting SIM application providers 104, mobile network operators 112, and OTA platforms 114 with content, data, applications, and the like.

[0021] In stage 3 of the SIM application management cycle, SIM application management portal 110 provides access to SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, SIM application provider 104 sends instructions directly to SIM application management portal 110 to customize a SIM card with a corresponding SIM application. In some embodiments, the instructions are sent indirectly from SIM application provider 104 to SIM application management portal 110. SIM application management portal 110 generates and publishes customization instructions according to the instructions sent by SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, two or more customization instructions are generated according to multiple instructions sent by SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, multiple customization instructions are generated based on corresponding instructions sent by multiple SIM application providers. In some embodiments, multiple customization instructions are generated automatically in response to receiving instructions from a SIM application provider. In some embodiments, a review of the SIM application provider's instructions is performed before generating customization instructions for further processing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the customization instructions instruct a customization process to begin. The SIM card customization process associates a SIM application with subscriber-specific information in the SIM card. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card with a corresponding SIM application includes installing the SIM application in memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, installing the SIM application on the SIM card includes transferring data to the SIM card module, such as loading an operating system, a program, or the like. In some embodiments, installing the SIM application further includes creating necessary files in memory of the SIM card. When the SIM application is installed on the SIM card, the SIM application can be opened and run on a mobile device equipped with the SIM card.

[0023] Further, in some embodiments, customizing the SIM card with a corresponding SIM application includes personalizing the SIM application in the SIM card, e.g., transferring data including subscriber-specific information to the SIM card module. In some embodiments, the subscriber-specific information includes information related to the subscriber's identity, such as name, address, telephone number, email address, and any information that identifies the subscriber to a mobile network provider. In some embodiments, the subscriber-specific information includes personal data about the subscriber, such as telecommunications service usage details, call logs, message logs, and any information derived from the subscriber's telecommunications service usage.

[0024] In stage 4 of the SIM application management cycle, a subscriber list including multiple subscribers with subscriber-specific information is retrieved from a subscriber inventory list managed by the mobile network operator 112 and provided to the SIM application management portal 110. In some embodiments, a group of subscribers in the subscriber list are selected for customization via the SIM application management portal 110 according to instructions from the SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, the SIM application management portal 110 can select a particular group of subscribers that meet predetermined requirements from the SIM application provider 104. For example, if the SIM application provider 104 receives a subscriber request to install a SIM application on a SIM card associated with the subscriber, the SIM application management portal 110 can select the subscriber for SIM card customization with the SIM application according to instructions from the SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, after the subscriber is selected, the SIM application management portal 110 is accessible by the SIM application provider 104 to modify the selection.

[0025] In stage 5 of the SIM application management cycle, each customization instruction is generated at the SIM application management portal 110. The customization instruction specifies a SIM application and a selected subscriber for customization of a SIM card associated with the selected subscriber. The OTA server 114 receives each customization instruction. The OTA server 114 includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The OTA server 114 further receives update information, such as Remote File Management (RFM) and Remote Application Management (RAM) updates for the SIM card, from the mobile network operator 112. In response to receiving the customization instructions and update information from the mobile network operator 112, the OTA server 114 performs a RAM / RFM update to customize the SIM card. In some embodiments, the OTA server 114 performs the RAM / RFM update over a UICC application in the SIM card via Short Message Service Point to Point (SMS-PP) or http. In some embodiments, the OTA server 114 creates an SMS message that includes an SCP 80 protocol message that conforms to the Global Platform Standard. Figure 1 illustrates that customization of the physical SIM card 116 or eSIM card 118 is performed via an update by the OTA server 114.

[0026] In some embodiments, customization is performed for multiple SIM cards with the same SIM application. In some embodiments, customization is performed for SIM cards with multiple different SIM applications.

[0027] Additionally, in stage 5, the SIM application management portal 110 receives a status report from the OTA server 114. In some embodiments, the OTA server 114 generates and transmits a status report of the customization performed on a SIM card, such as a physical SIM card 116 or an eSIM card 118, to the SIM application management portal 110, where it is accessible by the SIM application provider 104 of the SIM application. In some embodiments, the status report is generated in response to an error occurring during customization. In some embodiments, the SIM application provider 104 receives a notification or alert when the status report is generated and published on the SIM application management portal 110. In some embodiments, the status report is transmitted to the SIM application provider 104 by a transmitter.

[0028] In stage 6 of the SIM application management cycle, in response to completing the customization of a SIM card with a SIM application, a completion report is generated at the SIM application management portal 110 and provided to the SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, the completion report includes information such as the number of SIM cards customized, subscriber information, completion date and time, and an identification number identifying the SIM application. In some embodiments, in response to completing the customization of multiple SIM cards with the same SIM application, a single completion report is generated and provided to the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, in response to completing the customization of SIM cards with multiple SIM applications, multiple corresponding completion reports are generated and provided to the corresponding SIM application providers.

[0029] In some embodiments, when a SIM card is customized with a banking application that includes a security domain, a security domain private key is generated by the SIM application management portal 110 and sent to the SIM application provider of the banking application, such that the SIM application provider has secure control over the banking application installed on the SIM card associated with the subscriber by using the security domain private key.

[0030] According to some embodiments described herein, a SIM application management system provides a SIM application management portal that receives SIM card files for SIM card applications provided by a SIM application provider in a SIM application store, receives a subscriber list provided by a mobile network operator, and aggregates the received SIM card application files and subscriber list. The SIM application management portal selects at least one subscriber from the subscriber list to instruct an OTA server to customize the SIM application in the memory of a SIM card associated with the selected subscriber. As a result, the SIM application management system allows the SIM application provider to directly control the SIM applications in the SIM card. The SIM application management system further allows the SIM application provider to control which users / subscribers have SIM applications installed. By using the SIM application management system, the SIM application provider is charged only for active subscribers using the SIM application, thereby reducing the cost of customizing SIM cards. Furthermore, by using the SIM application management system, the mobile network operator, i.e., wireless provider, can sell UICC / eUICC memory to SIM application providers for loading and installing SIM applications in accordance with global platform standards. The SIM application management system provides the SIM application provider with the control to customize the SIM card according to the mandates / requirements of the mobile network operator.

[0031] 2 is a flowchart of a method 200 for managing subscriber identity module (SIM) applications according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 200 is performed by SIM application management system 100 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, method 200 is performed by a SIM application management system different from SIM application management system 100 (FIG. 1).

[0032] Method 200 includes operation 202 in which a SIM application file for a SIM application is received. In some embodiments, the SIM application file for the SIM application is received from SIM application provider 104 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, multiple SIM application files for the SIM application are received from different SIM application providers. Further, in operation 202, the SIM application file received from the SIM application provider is stored in a SIM application repository. In some embodiments, the SIM application file received from the SIM application provider is stored in SIM application repository 106 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the SIM application file includes a SIM applet CAP (Compiled Applet) file. In some embodiments, the SIM application file includes other files. In some embodiments, if the SIM application is a banking application, the banking application provider creates a security domain within the application file for the banking application. In operation 202, the application file including the security domain is received and stored.

[0033] In response to receiving and storing an application file for a SIM application at operation 202, method 200 proceeds to operation 204, where tests are performed to determine whether the SIM application meets predetermined requirements. In some embodiments, the tests are performed based on the Java Card standard. In some embodiments, the tests are performed based on a different computer programming standard.

[0034] In some embodiments, the test in operation 204 is performed automatically in response to the SIM application file being received in operation 202. In some embodiments, the test is performed in response to a request or a request for a test being received after the SIM application file is received in operation 202.

[0035] In some embodiments, the results of the testing of the application file indicate whether the SIM application received from the SIM application provider 104 is compatible with the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator. In some embodiments, a test is performed to determine whether the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator has sufficient memory to store the SIM application provided by the SIM application provider. In response to determining that the SIM application is incompatible with the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator, e.g., the size of the SIM application file exceeds the memory of the SIM card, a notification is provided to the SIM application provider to modify the SIM application file. In such a case, operation 202 receives and stores the modified SIM application file for another test. In response to determining that the SIM application is compatible with the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator, method 200 proceeds to operation 206, where the SIM application file is moved or transferred to a SIM application store. In some embodiments, the SIM application file is moved or transferred to the SIM application store 108 (FIG. 1). The SIM application store stores all SIM applications that meet predetermined requirements or standards. The SIM application store is accessible by one or more SIM application providers.

[0036] In response to the SIM application being transferred to the SIM application store in operation 206, method 200 proceeds to operation 208, where the SIM application in the SIM application store is linked to a corresponding SIM application provider. In some embodiments, an identification code / number is generated to link the SIM application provider to the corresponding SIM application in the SIM application store. In some embodiments, if multiple SIM applications are received from multiple SIM application providers, each of the multiple SIM applications is linked to a corresponding SIM application provider.

[0037] Method 200 further proceeds from operation 208 to operation 210. At operation 210, access to a SIM application management portal is provided to a corresponding SIM application provider. In some embodiments, the SIM application provider has access to SIM application management portal 110 (FIG. 1). This access allows the SIM application provider to directly control the customization of the SIM card with the SIM application. In some embodiments, at operation 210, instructions from the SIM application provider are received by the SIM application management portal for customizing the SIM card with the corresponding SIM application. Further at operation 210, customization instructions are generated according to the instructions provided by the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, two or more customization instructions are generated.

[0038] In some embodiments, the customization instructions instruct a customization process to begin. The SIM card customization process associates a SIM application with subscriber-specific information in the SIM card. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card with a corresponding SIM application includes installing the SIM application in memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, installing the SIM application on the SIM card includes transferring data to the SIM card module, such as loading an operating system, a program, or the like. In some embodiments, installing the SIM application further includes creating necessary files in memory of the SIM card. When the SIM application is installed on the SIM card, the SIM application can be opened and run on a mobile device equipped with the SIM card.

[0039] Further, in some embodiments, customizing the SIM card with a corresponding SIM application includes personalizing the SIM application in the SIM card, e.g., transferring data including subscriber-specific information to the SIM card module. In some embodiments, the subscriber-specific information includes information related to the subscriber's identity, such as name, address, telephone number, email address, and any information that identifies the subscriber to a mobile network provider. In some embodiments, the subscriber-specific information includes personal data about the subscriber, such as telecommunications service usage details, call logs, message logs, and any information derived from the subscriber's telecommunications service usage.

[0040] Method 200 further proceeds from operation 210 to operation 212, where a subscriber is selected from a subscriber list for customization of a SIM card associated with the selected subscriber. The subscriber list includes a plurality of subscribers having subscriber-specific information. In some embodiments, the subscriber list is populated from a subscriber inventory list managed by mobile network operator 112 (FIG. 1) and stored in SIM application management portal 110 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a group of subscribers in the subscriber list are selected for customization according to instructions from a SIM application provider. In some embodiments, a particular group of subscribers who meet predetermined requirements from the SIM application provider are selected at operation 212. For example, if the SIM application provider receives a subscriber request to install a SIM application on a SIM card associated with that subscriber, the subscriber is selected for customizing the SIM card with the SIM application according to instructions from the SIM application provider. The subscriber selection is modifiable by the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, modifications to the subscriber selection are implemented after the initial selection of the subscriber.

[0041] In response to selecting a subscriber at operation 212, method 200 proceeds to operation 214 where customization instructions are generated. In some embodiments, the customization instructions are generated at SIM application management portal 110 (FIG. 1). The customization instructions specify a SIM application and the selected subscriber for customization of a SIM card associated with the selected subscriber.

[0042] In response to generating the customization instructions at operation 214, method 200 proceeds to operation 216, where the customization information is transmitted to an OTA server. In some embodiments, the customization instructions are transmitted to OTA server 114 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the customization information includes the customization instructions. In some embodiments, the customization information includes update information provided by a mobile network operator, such as mobile network operator 112 (FIG. 1). The update information includes, but is not limited to, remote file management (RFM) and remote application management (RAM) updates.

[0043] Method 200 further proceeds from operation 216 to operation 218, where OTA customization is performed on a SIM card associated with the selected subscriber. The customization is performed on a physical SIM card or an eSIM card. In some embodiments, a RAM / RFM update is performed by an OTA server to customize the SIM card associated with the selected subscriber. In some embodiments, the RAM / RFM update is performed via Short Message Service Point-to-Point (SMS-PP) or http on the UICC card, i.e., a UICC application in the SIM card. In some embodiments, an SMS message including an SCP 80 protocol message conforming to a global platform standard is created for the customization.

[0044] In operation 218, customization is performed for multiple SIM cards having the same SIM application, according to some embodiments. In operation 218, customization is performed for SIM cards having multiple different SIM applications provided by multiple SIM application providers, according to some embodiments.

[0045] In response to completing the customization at operation 218, method 200 further proceeds to operation 220, where a completion report is generated and sent to the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, the completion report is generated in response to customization, i.e., an OTA update, being performed on SIM cards associated with the selected subscriber. In some embodiments, the completion report is generated in response to completing customization performed on all SIM cards associated with the selected subscriber. In some embodiments, the completion report includes information such as the number of SIM cards customized, subscriber information, completion date and time, and an identification number identifying the SIM application. In some embodiments, in response to completing customization of multiple SIM cards having the same SIM application, a single completion report is generated and provided to the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, in response to completing customization of SIM cards with multiple SIM applications, multiple corresponding completion reports are generated and provided to the corresponding SIM application providers.

[0046] In some embodiments, if the SIM card is customized with a banking application that includes a security domain, a security domain private key is generated and sent to the SIM application provider of the banking application in operation 220. As a result, the SIM application provider has secure control over the banking application installed on the SIM card associated with the subscriber by using the security domain private key.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications to method 200 are within the scope of this description. In some embodiments, at least one additional operation is included in method 200. For example, in some embodiments, a status report of the customization to a SIM card having a SIM application is generated. In some embodiments, an OTA server generates and sends the status report to a SIM application management portal accessible by a SIM application provider of the SIM application. In some embodiments, the status report is generated in response to an error occurring during the customization. In some embodiments, the SIM application provider receives a notification or alert when the status report is generated and published in the SIM application management portal. In some embodiments, at least one operation of method 200 is omitted. For example, in some embodiments, if the SIM application provider commands that SIM cards associated with all subscribers in the subscriber inventory list be customized, the selection of a subscriber in operation 212 is omitted. In some embodiments, the order of the operations of method 200 is adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 212 is performed before operation 210.

[0048] 3 is a block diagram of a system 300 for managing SIM applications, according to some embodiments. The system 300 includes a hardware processor 302 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 304 encoded with, i.e., storing, computer program code 306, i.e., a set of executable instructions. The computer-readable storage medium 304 also stores one or more SIM applications 308, a subscriber inventory list 310, and OTA update information 312. The processor 302 is electrically coupled to the computer-readable storage medium 304 via a bus 314. The processor 302 is also electrically coupled to an I / O interface 316 by the bus 314. A network interface 318 is also electrically connected to the processor 302 via the bus 314. The network interface 318 is connected to a network 320, thereby enabling the processor 302 and the computer-readable storage medium 304 to connect to external elements via the network 320. The processor 302 is configured to execute computer program code 306 encoded on the computer-readable storage medium 304 such that the system 300 can be used to perform some or all of the operations described in the method 200 (FIG. 2).

[0049] In some embodiments, processor 302 is a central processing unit (CPU), a multiprocessor, a distributed processing system, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or any suitable processing device.

[0050] In some embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 304 is an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and / or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example, computer-readable storage medium 304 includes semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer diskette, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rigid magnetic disk, and / or optical disk. In some embodiments using an optical disk, computer-readable storage medium 304 includes a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W), and / or a digital video disc (DVD).

[0051] In some embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 304 stores computer program code 306 configured to cause system 300 to perform some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 304 also stores information for performing some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2), as well as information generated during the performance of some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2).

[0052] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 304 stores instructions 306 for interfacing with external devices. The instructions 306 enable the processor 302 to generate and receive instructions readable by the external devices to effectively perform some or all of the operations described in the method 200 (FIG. 2).

[0053] System 300 includes an I / O interface 316. I / O interface 316 is coupled to external circuitry. In some embodiments, I / O interface 316 includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, and / or cursor direction keys for communicating information and commands to processor 302.

[0054] The system 300 also includes a network interface 318 coupled to the processor 302. The network interface 318 enables the system 300 to communicate with a network 320 to which one or more other computer systems are connected. The network interface 318 includes a wireless network interface, such as BLUETOOTH, WIFI, WIMAX, GPRS, or WCDMA, or a wired network interface, such as ETHERNET, USB, or IEEE-1394. In some embodiments, the method 200 (FIG. 2) is implemented in more than one system 300, and information is exchanged between the different systems 300 via the network 314.

[0055] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The system further includes a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The processor is configured to execute instructions for receiving a SIM application from a SIM application provider, obtaining a subscriber list including at least one subscriber from a mobile network operator, receiving instructions directly from the SIM application provider, and customizing a SIM card of a mobile device associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application according to the instructions. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for providing a portal directly controllable by the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, the SIM application includes a SIM application file, and the processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether the SIM application file is compatible with predetermined requirements. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application includes installing the SIM application in a memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application further includes personalizing the SIM application installed in the memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for generating a report of customization of the SIM cards with the SIM application and instructing the transmitter to send the report to a SIM application provider. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to execute instructions for selecting a group of subscribers from the subscribers in the subscriber list and customizing a plurality of SIM cards with the SIM application, each of the plurality of SIM cards being associated with a corresponding subscriber of the group of subscribers.In some embodiments, the processor is configured to execute instructions for receiving a plurality of SIM applications including a SIM application from a plurality of SIM application providers including the SIM application provider, and linking each of the plurality of SIM applications to a corresponding SIM application provider of the plurality of SIM application providers. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to execute instructions for receiving a plurality of instructions directly from the plurality of SIM application providers, and customizing a SIM card associated with at least one subscriber with the plurality of SIM applications based on the plurality of instructions. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for customizing a SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber with a banking application including a security domain, generating a security domain key for the banking application, and transmitting the security domain key to the banking application provider. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method. The method includes receiving a SIM application from a SIM application provider, obtaining a subscriber list including at least one subscriber from a mobile network operator, receiving instructions directly from the SIM application provider, and customizing a SIM card of a mobile device associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application according to the instructions. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a portal directly controllable by the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, the SIM application includes a SIM application file, and the method further includes determining whether the SIM application file is compatible with predetermined requirements. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application includes installing the SIM application in a memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application further includes personalizing the SIM application installed in the memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, the method includes generating a report of the SIM card customization in the SIM application and sending the report to the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, the method includes selecting a group of subscribers from the subscribers in the subscriber list and customizing a plurality of SIM cards with a SIM application, each of the plurality of SIM cards being associated with a corresponding subscriber of the group of subscribers. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a plurality of instructions directly from a plurality of SIM application providers and customizing a SIM card associated with at least one subscriber with the plurality of SIM applications based on the plurality of instructions.

[0056] One aspect of the present specification relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions that cause a processor executing the instructions to perform a method. The instructions cause the processor to receive a SIM application from a SIM application provider. The instructions further cause the processor to receive a subscriber list from a mobile network operator, the subscriber list including at least one subscriber. The instructions further cause the processor to receive instructions directly from the SIM application provider. The instructions further cause the processor to customize a SIM card for a mobile device associated with at least one subscriber having the SIM application according to the instructions.

[0057] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that they may use this disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to carry out the same purposes and / or achieve the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system, A non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions, A processor connected to the non-temporary computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is Receiving the SIM application from the SIM application provider, Obtain a subscriber list from the mobile network operator that includes at least one subscriber, Receiving commands directly from the aforementioned SIM application provider, In accordance with the aforementioned instructions, the SIM card of the mobile device associated with the at least one subscriber is customized with the SIM application, Linking the aforementioned SIM application to the aforementioned SIM application provider, A processor configured to execute the aforementioned instructions for, A subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system, including [the specified component].

2. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 1, further configured so that the processor executes the instructions for providing a portal that can be directly controlled by the SIM application provider.

3. The aforementioned SIM application includes a SIM application file. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining whether the SIM application file is compatible with predetermined requirements. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 1.

4. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 1, wherein customizing the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application includes installing the SIM application in the memory of the SIM card.

5. A subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 4, further comprising customizing the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application to personalize the SIM application installed in the memory of the SIM card.

6. The aforementioned processor, The SIM application generates a report on the customization of the SIM card, The transmitter is instructed to send the aforementioned report to the SIM application provider, Further configured to execute the aforementioned instructions for, The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned processor, Selecting a group of subscribers from the subscriber list, The SIM application customizes multiple SIM cards, wherein each of the multiple SIM cards is associated with a corresponding subscriber in the subscriber group. Configured to execute the aforementioned instructions for, The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned processor, Receiving multiple SIM applications, including the SIM application, from multiple SIM application providers, including the aforementioned SIM application provider, It is configured to execute the aforementioned instructions for, Linking the SIM application to the SIM application provider includes linking each of the plurality of SIM applications to the corresponding SIM application provider of the plurality of SIM application providers. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned processor, Receiving multiple commands directly from the aforementioned multiple SIM application providers, Based on the aforementioned multiple instructions, the SIM card associated with at least one subscriber is customized by the aforementioned multiple SIM applications, Configured to execute the aforementioned instructions for, The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned processor, A banking transaction application that includes a security domain, which customizes the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber, To generate a security domain key for the aforementioned banking transaction application, The transmitter is instructed to send the aforementioned security domain key to the banking application provider, Further configured to execute the aforementioned instructions for, The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system according to claim 1.

11. Receiving the SIM application from the SIM application provider, Obtain a subscriber list from the mobile network operator that includes at least one subscriber, Receiving commands directly from the aforementioned SIM application provider, In accordance with the aforementioned instructions, the SIM card of the mobile device associated with the at least one subscriber is customized with the SIM application, Linking the aforementioned SIM application to the aforementioned SIM application provider, A subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method, including the following.

12. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method according to claim 11, further comprising providing a portal that can be directly controlled by the SIM application provider.

13. The aforementioned SIM application includes a SIM application file. The method further includes determining whether the SIM application file is compatible with predetermined requirements. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method according to claim 11.

14. Customizing the SIM card associated with at least one subscriber with the SIM application includes installing the SIM application in the memory of the SIM card. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method according to claim 11.

15. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method according to claim 14, further comprising customizing the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application to personalize the SIM application installed in the memory of the SIM card.

16. The SIM application generates a report on the customization of the SIM card, The transmitter is instructed to send the aforementioned report to the SIM application provider, The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method according to claim 11, further comprising:

17. Selecting a group of subscribers from the subscriber list, The SIM application customizes multiple SIM cards, wherein each of the multiple SIM cards is associated with a corresponding subscriber in the subscriber group. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method according to claim 11, further comprising:

18. Receiving multiple SIM applications, including the SIM application, from multiple SIM application providers, including the aforementioned SIM application provider, It further includes, Linking the SIM application to the SIM application provider includes linking each of the plurality of SIM applications to the corresponding SIM application provider of the plurality of SIM application providers. The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method according to claim 11.

19. Receiving multiple commands directly from the aforementioned multiple SIM application providers, Based on the aforementioned multiple instructions, the SIM card associated with at least one subscriber is customized by the aforementioned multiple SIM applications, The subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method according to claim 18, further comprising:

20. A non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions for causing a processor that executes instructions to perform a subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method, wherein the method Receiving the SIM application from the SIM application provider, Obtain a subscriber list from the mobile network operator that includes at least one subscriber, Receiving commands directly from the aforementioned SIM application provider, Customize the SIM card of the mobile device associated with the at least one subscriber with the SIM application in accordance with the aforementioned instructions, Linking the aforementioned SIM application to the aforementioned SIM application provider, Non-temporary computer-readable media, including [specific examples of such media].

Images