A method for managing subscriber identification module (SIM) applications and a system for using them.

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 a subscriber identity module (SIM) application and a system for using the same.

Background Art

[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, a physical SIM card and an eSIM (embedded SIM) card, are used in the market. Each type of SIM card stores SIM applications developed by a SIM application provider. Generally, a SIM application provider provides a 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 has the responsibility of installing the SIM application developed by the SIM application provider onto the SIM card.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

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

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

[0005] In some embodiments, a non-temporary computer-readable medium is configured to store instructions for a processor that executes instructions to carry out a subscriber identification module (SIM) application management method. The instructions cause the processor to receive SIM applications from a SIM application provider. These instructions further cause the processor to obtain a subscriber list containing at least one subscriber from a mobile network operator. The instructions further cause the processor to receive instructions directly from a SIM application provider. The instructions further cause the processor to customize the SIM card of a mobile device associated with at least one subscriber having a SIM application, in accordance with the instructions.

[0006] The aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description along with the attached drawings. Note that, in accordance with standard industry practice, various features are not depicted to scale. In practice, the dimensions of various features may be increased or decreased as appropriate for the sake of clarity in the discussion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a SIM application management system according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of how to manage SIM applications according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a system for managing SIM applications in several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the subject matter provided. For the sake of simplicity, specific examples of components, values, behaviors, materials, arrangements, etc., are described below. Naturally, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, behaviors, materials, arrangements, etc., are contemplated. For example, the formation of a first feature on or above a second feature in the following description may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may 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. In addition, the disclosure may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for the sake of brevity and clarity and is not in itself intended to define the relationships between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

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

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

[0011] As explained above, the customization process for physical or eSIM cards with SIM applications is complex. In this customization process, the SIM application provider provides the SIM application files to the mobile network operator for SIM card customization, but the SIM application provider does not have control over the SIM application structure within the SIM memory of the SIM card. The mobile network provider has the control to perform the SIM card customization with the SIM application. Therefore, since the SIM application files, i.e., SIM applet binaries, are provided by the mobile network provider, testing these SIM application files becomes extremely complex for the SIM application provider. Furthermore, while SIM applications are installed on a large number of SIM cards, SIM application providers face the situation of having a small number of active subscribers for their SIM applications. Consequently, SIM application providers incur significant costs in customizing SIM cards with SIM applications that are not actively used. As a result, in many cases, the storage space of the SIM card is consumed without providing services utilized by mobile device users.

[0012] In some embodiments, a SIM application provider is provided with a subscriber identification module (SIM) application management system for selecting several subscribers, customizing the SIM cards of the mobile devices associated with those subscribers, and controlling the SIM applications within the SIM cards. This system helps reduce the storage of unused applications on the SIM cards. This system also helps reduce the fees to the SIM application provider by restricting the SIM cards to be customized only for users or subscribers who are likely to utilize the SIM applications. This gives users or subscribers more opportunities to improve the efficiency of SIM card storage within their mobile devices based on their needs and preferences.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a SIM application management system according to several 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 on 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] SIM application provider 104 develops SIM applications for SIM cards. In this disclosure, “SIM” card is understood to mean a physical SIM card or an eSIM card. In some embodiments, SIM application provider 104 develops two or more SIM applications. In some embodiments, SIM application provider 104 refers to two or more SIM application providers. SIM application provider 104 develops various types of SIM applications, such as SIM toolkit applications, banking applications, and transit applications. Examples of SIM toolkit applications include, but are not limited to, NTMI (Network Triggered Multi IMSI), Celltick LiveScreen 16.1, NUTos (Native UICC Telecom OS), 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 QoS (Quality of Service). Examples of banking applications include, but are not limited to, MassCard payment pass and Visa payment pass. Examples of transit applications include, but are not limited to, bus applications and metro rail payment applications.

[0015] In some embodiments, the 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, the SIM application management system 100 performs a SIM application management cycle including steps 1 to 6 described below.

[0016] In stage 1 of the SIM application management cycle, the SIM application provider 104 provides or uploads the SIM application files for the SIM application to the SIM application repository 106. The SIM application repository 106 is controllable or manageable by the 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 files include a SIM applet (Compiled Applet) file. In some embodiments, the SIM application files include 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 files of the banking application.

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

[0018] In some embodiments, the results of testing 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, 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 a SIM application is incompatible with the SIM card issued by the mobile network operator, for example, if 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 cases, 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 via the network.

[0019] Furthermore, in stage 2 of the SIM application management cycle, the SIM application management system 100 links the SIM application 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 in 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 to the SIM application provider 104 by a transmitter.

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

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

[0022] In some embodiments, a customization command instructs the customization process to begin. The SIM card customization process associates the SIM application with subscriber-specific information within the SIM card. In some embodiments, customizing a SIM card with a corresponding SIM application includes installing the SIM application into the memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, installing the SIM application into the SIM card includes transferring data to the SIM card module, such as loading an operating system, programs, etc. In some embodiments, installing the SIM application further includes creating necessary files into the memory of the SIM card. Once 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] Furthermore, in some embodiments, customizing a SIM card with a corresponding SIM application involves personalizing the SIM application within the SIM card, for example, by transferring data containing subscriber-specific information to the SIM card module. In some embodiments, subscriber-specific information includes information about the subscriber's identification information, such as name, address, telephone number, email address, and any information that identifies the subscriber to the mobile network provider. In some embodiments, subscriber-specific information includes personal data about the subscriber, such as details of telecommunications service usage, call records, message records, and any information derived from the subscriber's use of telecommunications services.

[0024] In stage 4 of the SIM application management cycle, a subscriber list including a plurality of subscribers having subscriber-specific information is retrieved from a subscriber inventory list managed by mobile network operator 112 and provided to SIM application management portal 110. In some embodiments, a group of subscribers within the subscriber list is selected for customization via SIM application management portal 110 according to instructions from SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, SIM application management portal 110 can select a particular group of subscribers that meets a predetermined requirement from SIM application provider 104. For example, if SIM application provider 104 receives a request from a subscriber to install a SIM application on a SIM card associated with the subscriber, SIM application management portal 110 can select subscribers for customization of the SIM card using the SIM application according to instructions from SIM application provider 104. In some embodiments, after selection of a subscriber, SIM application management portal 110 is accessible by SIM application provider 104 to change 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 the SIM application and the selected subscriber for customizing the 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 - transient computer - readable medium. The OTA server 114 further receives update information from the mobile network operator 112, such as remote file management (RFM) and remote application management (RAM) updates for the SIM card. In response to receiving the customization instruction and the update information from the mobile network operator 112, the OTA server 114 performs RAM / RFM updates to customize the SIM card. In some embodiments, the OTA server 114 performs RAM / RFM updates over the short message service point - to - point (SMS - PP) or http on the UICC application within the SIM card. In some embodiments, the OTA server 114 creates an SMS message that includes SCP 80 protocol messages compliant with the global platform standard. FIG. 1 shows that the customization of the physical SIM card 116 or the eSIM card 118 is performed via updates by the OTA server 114.

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

[0027] Furthermore, in step 5, the SIM application management portal 110 receives a status report from the OTA server 114. In some embodiments, the OTA server 114 generates a status report of customizations performed on a SIM card, such as a physical SIM card 116 or an eSIM card 118, and sends it to the SIM application management portal 110, which is accessible by the SIM application provider 104 of the SIM application. In some embodiments, the status report is generated in response to errors that occurred 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 sent to the SIM application provider 104 by a transmitter.

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

[0029] In some embodiments, if a SIM card is customized with a banking application that includes a security domain, a security domain personal key is generated by the SIM application management portal 110 and sent to the SIM application provider of the banking application. 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 personal key.

[0030] According to some embodiments described in this disclosure, a SIM application management system receives SIM card files of SIM card applications provided by SIM application providers in a SIM application store, receives subscriber lists provided by mobile network operators, and provides a SIM application management portal that collects the received SIM card application files and subscriber lists. The SIM application management portal selects at least one subscriber from the subscriber list to instruct an OTA server to customize the SIM application into the memory of the SIM card associated with the selected subscriber. As a result, the SIM application management system enables SIM application providers to directly control the SIM application in the SIM card. The SIM application management system further enables SIM application providers to control which users / subscribers install the SIM application. By using the SIM application management system, SIM application providers are charged only for active subscribers using the SIM application, and as a result, the cost of customizing SIM cards is reduced. Furthermore, by using the SIM application management system, mobile network operators, i.e., wireless providers, 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 SIM application providers with control over customizing SIM cards in accordance with the instructions / requirements of mobile network operators.

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

[0032] Method 200 includes operation 202 in which the SIM application file of the SIM application is received. In some embodiments, the SIM application file of the SIM application is received from a SIM application provider 104 (Figure 1). In some embodiments, multiple SIM application files of the SIM application are received from different SIM application providers. Furthermore, in operation 202, the SIM application files received from the SIM application provider are stored in the SIM application repository. In some embodiments, the SIM application files received from the SIM application provider are stored in the SIM application repository 106 (Figure 1). In some embodiments, the SIM application file includes a SIM applet (CAP) 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 of the banking application. In operation 202, the application file containing the security domain is received and stored.

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

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

[0035] In some embodiments, the results of the application file test 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, the 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, for example, if the size of the SIM application file exceeds the memory of the SIM card, the SIM application provider is notified to correct the SIM application file. In such cases, operation 202 receives and stores the corrected 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 in which the SIM application file is moved or transferred to the SIM application store. In some embodiments, the SIM application file is moved or transferred to the SIM application store 108 (Figure 1). The SIM application store stores all SIM applications that meet certain requirements or standards. The SIM application store is accessible by one or more SIM application providers.

[0036] In response to the transfer of the SIM application to the SIM application store in operation 206, method 200 proceeds to operation 208, in which the SIM application in the SIM application store is linked to the 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 the corresponding SIM application provider.

[0037] Method 200 proceeds further from operation 208 to operation 210. In operation 210, access to the SIM application management portal is provided to the corresponding SIM application provider. In some embodiments, the SIM application provider can access the SIM application management portal 110 (Figure 1). This access allows the SIM application provider to directly control the customization of the SIM card in the SIM application. In some embodiments, in operation 210, instructions from the SIM application provider are received by the SIM application management portal for customizing the SIM card in the corresponding SIM application. Further in 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, a customization command instructs the customization process to begin. The SIM card customization process associates the SIM application with subscriber-specific information within the SIM card. In some embodiments, customizing a SIM card with a corresponding SIM application includes installing the SIM application into the memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, installing the SIM application into the SIM card includes transferring data to the SIM card module, such as loading an operating system, programs, etc. In some embodiments, installing the SIM application further includes creating necessary files into the memory of the SIM card. Once 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] Furthermore, in some embodiments, customizing a SIM card with a corresponding SIM application involves personalizing the SIM application within the SIM card, for example, by transferring data containing subscriber-specific information to the SIM card module. In some embodiments, subscriber-specific information includes information about the subscriber's identification information, such as name, address, telephone number, email address, and any information that identifies the subscriber to the mobile network provider. In some embodiments, subscriber-specific information includes personal data about the subscriber, such as details of telecommunications service usage, call records, message records, and any information derived from the subscriber's use of telecommunications services.

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

[0041] In response to the selection of a subscriber in operation 212, method 200 proceeds to operation 214, in which a customization instruction is generated. In some embodiments, the customization instruction is generated in the SIM application management portal 110 (Figure 1). The customization instruction specifies the SIM application and the selected subscriber for customization of the SIM card associated with the selected subscriber.

[0042] In response to the generation of a customization command in operation 214, method 200 proceeds to operation 216, where the customization information is sent to the OTA server. In some embodiments, the customization command is sent to the OTA server 114 (Figure 1). In some embodiments, the customization information includes the customization command. In some embodiments, the customization information includes update information provided by a mobile network operation, such as a mobile network operator 112 (Figure 1). The update information includes, but is not limited to, remote file management (RFM) and remote application management (RAM) updates.

[0043] Method 200 proceeds further from operation 216 to operation 218, where OTA customization is performed on the SIM card associated with the selected subscriber. The customization is performed on either a physical SIM card or an eSIM card. In some embodiments, a RAM / RFM update is performed by the 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., the UICC application within the SIM card. In some embodiments, an SMS message containing an SCP 80 protocol message compliant with the global platform standard is created for the customization.

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

[0045] In response to the completion of customization in operation 218, method 200 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 performed on SIM cards associated with a selected subscriber, i.e., an OTA update. In some embodiments, the completion report is generated in response to the completion of customization performed on all SIM cards associated with a selected subscriber. In some embodiments, the completion report includes information such as the number of customized SIM cards, subscriber information, completion date and time, and an identification number that identifies the SIM application. In some embodiments, a single completion report is generated and provided to the SIM application provider in response to the completion of customization for multiple SIM cards having the same SIM application. In some embodiments, multiple corresponding completion reports are generated and provided to the corresponding SIM application providers in response to the customization of SIM cards for which multiple SIM applications have been completed.

[0046] In some embodiments, if the SIM card is customized with a banking application that includes a security domain, a security domain personal key is generated in operation 220 and sent to the SIM application provider of the banking application. 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 personal 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 is generated for customization to a SIM card having a SIM application. In some embodiments, an OTA server generates the status report and sends it to a SIM application management portal accessible by the SIM application provider of the SIM application. In some embodiments, the status report is generated in response to errors that occurred during customization. In some embodiments, the SIM application provider receives a notification or alert when the status report is generated and published on 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 is instructed to customize SIM cards associated with all subscribers in the subscriber inventory list, the subscriber selection in operation 212 is omitted. In some embodiments, the order of operations of Method 200 is adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 212 is performed before operation 210.

[0048] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a system 300 for managing SIM applications, according to several embodiments. The system 300 includes a hardware processor 302 and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium 304 that stores 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 via 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, which in turn allows 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 in a computer-readable storage medium 304 so that the system 300 can be used to perform some or all of the operations described in method 200 (Figure 2).

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

[0050] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 304 is an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and / or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example, the 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 optical disks, the computer-readable storage medium 304 includes compact disk-read-only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W), and / or digital video disc (DVD).

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

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

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

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

[0055] One aspect of this specification relates to a system. The system includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The system further includes a processor connected to the non-temporary 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 the SIM card of a mobile device associated with at least one subscriber with the SIM application in accordance with the instructions. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for providing a portal that can be directly controlled 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 certain requirements. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card associated with at least one subscriber with the SIM application 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 SIM cards having a SIM application, and instructing a 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 subscribers in a subscriber list, and customizing a plurality of SIM cards with a SIM application, wherein each of the plurality of SIM cards is associated with a corresponding subscriber in the group of subscribers.In some embodiments, the processor is configured to receive multiple SIM applications, including SIM applications, from multiple SIM application providers, including a SIM application provider; to link each of the multiple SIM applications to the corresponding SIM application provider of the multiple SIM application providers; and to execute instructions for these purposes. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to receive multiple instructions directly from multiple SIM application providers; to customize a SIM card associated with at least one subscriber with the multiple SIM applications based on the multiple instructions; and to execute instructions for these purposes. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to customize a SIM card associated with at least one subscriber with a banking application, including a security domain; to generate a security domain key for the banking application; and to send the security domain key to the banking application provider; and to execute instructions for these purposes. One aspect of this specification relates to a method. The method includes receiving a SIM application from a SIM application provider, obtaining a subscriber list containing at least one subscriber from a mobile network operator, receiving instructions directly from the SIM application provider, and customizing the SIM card of a mobile device associated with at least one subscriber with the SIM application in accordance with the instructions. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a portal that can be directly controlled 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 certain requirements. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card associated with at least one subscriber with the SIM application includes customizing by installing the SIM application in the memory of the SIM card. In some embodiments, customizing the SIM card associated with 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 with the SIM application and sending the report to the SIM application provider. In some embodiments, the method includes selecting a group of subscribers from subscribers in a subscriber list and customizing a plurality of SIM cards in a SIM application, such that each of the plurality of SIM cards is associated with a corresponding subscriber in the group of subscribers. In some embodiments, the method further includes directly receiving a plurality of instructions from a plurality of SIM application providers and customizing a plurality of SIM cards associated with at least one subscriber in the plurality of SIM applications based on the plurality of instructions.

[0056] One aspect of this specification relates to a non-temporary computer-readable medium configured to store instructions causing a processor to perform a method. The instructions cause the processor to receive a SIM application from a SIM application provider. These instructions further cause the processor to receive a subscriber list containing 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 the SIM card of a mobile device associated with at least one subscriber having a SIM application in accordance with the instructions.

[0057] The above outlines the features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand aspects of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure can be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to perform 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 configurations will not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the 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 with 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 transaction 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 personalizing the SIM application installed in the memory of the SIM card, wherein the SIM application is used to customize the SIM card associated with the at least one subscriber.

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 with 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].

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