Profile downloading method and apparatus based on esim card

Abstract

A Profile downloading method and apparatus based on an eSIM card. The method comprises: in response to an authentication request sent by a terminal device, establishing a communication connection to the terminal device, wherein the authentication request comprises an access address of an SM-DP+ platform and an activation code (AC); sending a Profile file corresponding to the AC to the terminal device; receiving error information sent by the terminal device, wherein the error information corresponds to an error event occurring in the process of installing the Profile file by the terminal device; and determining whether the error information belongs to a state reset set, and if the error information belongs to the state reset set, using a first strategy to modify a constraint condition for downloading the Profile file. The method can improve the download success rate of the Profile file in a targeted manner, avoid download failures caused by a configuration problem, a weak network condition, an interruption problem, etc. of the terminal device itself, improve use convenience of a user, and thus improve use satisfaction.

Description

Method and apparatus for downloading profiles based on eSIM cards Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, specifically to a method, apparatus, SM-DP+ platform, and medium for downloading profiles based on an eSIM card. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of eSIM card technology, more and more communication terminal devices are adopting eSIM cards for wireless communication. When a user needs to access the internet using their communication terminal, they must first download and install a profile file from the SM-DP+ platform while the device is connected to the internet to enable the eSIM card's communication function. During the download and installation of the profile file, if the communication terminal is in a weak network environment or experiences an abnormal shutdown or restart, the profile file installation will be interrupted. Upon receiving an error event triggered by the terminal device, the SM-DP+ platform will immediately change the profile status from Released to Error, thereby preventing the terminal device from downloading the profile file again.

[0003] Based on the above problems, the applicant proposes the technical solution of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a profile download method based on an eSIM card, applied to the SM-DP+ platform, comprising the following steps:

[0005] In response to an authentication request sent by a terminal device, a communication connection is established with the terminal device that has passed the authentication verification. The authentication request includes the access address of the DP+ platform and the AC activation code provided by the DP+ platform.

[0006] Send the Profile file corresponding to the AC activation code to the terminal device;

[0007] Receive error information sent by the terminal device, the error information corresponding to an error event that occurred on the terminal device during the installation of the Profile file;

[0008] Determine whether the error message belongs to the state reset set. If the error message belongs to the state reset set, use the first strategy to modify the constraints of the Profile file download. If the error does not belong to the state reset set, keep the constraints unchanged.

[0009] Preferably, the first strategy is to increase the number of retries for error events in the constraints.

[0010] Preferably, the first strategy is to modify the number of retries for error events in the constraints to a first preset value.

[0011] Preferably, the first strategy is to modify the download status in the constraint condition to a second preset value.

[0012] Preferably, the second preset value is a Release state.

[0013] Preferably, the state reset set includes at least four types of error messages.

[0014] Preferably, the identification codes corresponding to the four types of error messages are 10, 11, 13 and 127.

[0015] This application also discloses a profile download device based on an eSIM card, including at least one processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the at least one processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, causing the at least one processor to perform the above-described profile download method based on an eSIM card.

[0016] This application also discloses an SM-DP+ platform, including at least one processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the at least one processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, causing the at least one processor to perform the above-described eSIM-based profile download method.

[0017] This application also discloses a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the above-described eSIM-based profile download method.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] The eSIM-based profile download method, apparatus, SM-DP+ platform, and medium disclosed in this application modify the constraints of profile file download using a first strategy for error information belonging to the state reset set. This allows for special handling of specific errors, thereby improving the success rate of profile file download and avoiding download failures caused by terminal device configuration issues, weak network issues, or interruption issues. This enhances user convenience and satisfaction.

[0020] The following will further explain the concept, specific structure and technical effects of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating the profile download method based on an eSIM card in this application.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the data interaction between LPAd and the SM-DP+ platform in this application.

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the process when LPAd downloads the Profile file to the SM-DP+ platform in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the technical means, inventive features, achieved objectives and effects of the invention easier to understand, this application is further described below with reference to specific illustrations. However, this application is not limited to the examples described below.

[0025] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only used to complement the content disclosed in the specification for those skilled in the art to understand and read, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this application can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application.

[0026] According to the GSMA (GSM Association) technical specifications, mobile phones, as terminal communication devices, need to use the LPA (Local Profile Assistant) to complete online authentication and profile file download when downloading profile files. With the rapid development of eSIM card technology, communication terminal devices are now using eSIM cards for wireless communication. When users need to access the internet using their communication terminals, they must first download and install the profile file from the SM-DP+ platform while the device is connected to the internet to enable eSIM card communication functionality.

[0027] In a typical ESIM application architecture, the mobile operator (MNO / MVNO) sends an ESIM order request to the SM-DP+ service platform via ES2+. The original number is provided by the MNO / MVNO and converted into a BPP data packet of the eSIM profile data packet, which is bound to the EID and encrypted, by the SM-DP+ platform server and stored on the server. Subsequently, the SM-DP+ platform transmits the AC (activation code) to the MNO / MVNO via the ES2+ interface. The MNO / MVNO then informs the end user via SMS or email. The user downloads and installs the eSIM into the phone's eUICC chip through the LPA software (ESIM download management software) on the phone via ES8 / ES9 / ES10 with authentication and encryption. The user can activate the eSIM profile to enjoy mobile network service through the LPA, or disable / delete the profile from the phone.

[0028] However, during the download and installation of the Profile file, if the communication terminal is in a weak network environment or experiences an abnormal shutdown or restart, the Profile file installation will be interrupted. After receiving the error event triggered by the terminal device, the SM-DP+ platform will immediately change the Profile status from Released to Error, thereby preventing the terminal device from downloading the Profile file from the SM-DP+ platform again. Users need to reconfigure the communication terminal to meet the file download conditions again, which causes inconvenience to users.

[0029] To address the above technical issues, the first embodiment of this application provides a profile download method based on an eSIM card, applied to the SM-DP+ platform. As shown in Figure 1, the method includes the following steps:

[0030] Step S1: In response to the authentication request sent by the terminal device, establish a communication connection with the terminal device that has passed the authentication verification. The authentication request includes the access address of the DP+ platform and the AC activation code provided by the DP+ platform.

[0031] Specifically, the phone's system software integrates eSIM download management software, namely the Local Profile Assistant (LAP), which helps the eUICC (electronic UICC storage chip, used for remote downloading and local management of successfully downloaded and installed profiles) perform certain operations and supports local management of the end-user interface. Manufacturers can choose to use either LPA or eUICC in their devices. LPA has four main functions: local discovery service, local profile download, local user interface, and LPA agent. The local discovery service is responsible for periodically querying its subscribed SM-DS server (eSIM discovery server, providing automatic management and discovery of user profiles) in response to any events published by the SM-DP+ server. Local profile download is where LPA acts as an agent to assist in the profile download process, effectively downloading the bound profile package. LPA will first download the bound profile package from the SM-DP+ platform, and the profile package will be transmitted in segments to the eUICC for subsequent installation.

[0032] The terminal device first sends an authentication request to the SM-DP+ platform. The SM-DP+ platform responds to the authentication request and establishes a communication connection with the authenticated terminal device. Specifically, the SM-DP+ platform encrypts the operator's SIM card KI / OPC (such as the authentication key) to form a Profile file and an AC activation code. This AC activation code, along with the SM-DP+ platform's access address, is then transmitted to the service provider. The service provider provides this to the end user in the form of a QR code, which the end user scans to obtain the SM-DP+ platform's address and the AC activation code provided by the DP+ platform.

[0033] Step S2: Send the Profile file corresponding to the AC activation code to the terminal device.

[0034] The SM-DP+ platform sends the required Profile file to the terminal device. The terminal device receives the target file sent by the SM-DP+ platform and downloads and installs it.

[0035] Step S3: Receive error information sent by the terminal device, the error information corresponding to an error event that occurred on the terminal device during the installation of the Profile file.

[0036] Specifically, during the profile installation process, the profile generated by the SM-DP+ platform is initially in the Released state, changes to Downloaded after the download starts, and becomes Installed after successful installation on the phone. If an error occurs during the download, it will enter the Error state. These states are all specified and executed according to the GSMA SGP.22 standard. The GSMA SGP.22 standard stipulates that the LPA is only allowed to start downloading when the profile is in the Released state. Once the LPA successfully initiates a download request through SM-DP+ authentication, the SM-DP+ platform starts pushing the profile to the LPA, and the platform profile's state changes to Downloaded. At this point, the mobile LPA has not yet reached the final state of successful download and installation.

[0037] Once a profile on the SM-DP+ platform transitions from the Released state to the Downloaded state, the process is irreversible. In the Downloaded state, the SM-DP+ platform supports retries; that is, upon receiving an LPA ES9+ retry request in the Downloaded state, SM-DP+ will resend the profile data packet. When an error occurs during the download and installation of the profile on the terminal device, the LPA on the device will report the error event to the SM-DP+ platform. Normally, the SM-DP+ platform does not rely on LPA event reporting to determine the profile's status, as LPA events may be lost or discarded due to insufficient eUICC space.

[0038] Step S4: Determine whether the error message belongs to the state reset set. If the error message belongs to the state reset set, use the first strategy to modify the constraints of the Profile file download. If the error does not belong to the state reset set, keep the constraints unchanged.

[0039] Specifically, the SM-DP+ platform's state reset set includes at least four error messages. These four error messages are assigned corresponding identifiers according to the RSP technical specification V2.4, namely 10, 11, 13, and 127. As shown in Figure 2, identifier 10 indicates insufficient eUICC memory or space; identifier 11 indicates that the Profile download process was interrupted, such as in a weak network environment; identifier 13 indicates data mismatch, related to the network; and identifier 127 indicates some other unknown errors, such as incompatible phone model or compatibility issues. These four error messages will directly cause the Profile state to jump from Released to Error, thereby preventing LPA from initiating a second download.

[0040] The first strategy is to increase the number of retries for error events in the constraints. In one example, the first strategy is to modify the number of retries for error events in the constraints to a first preset value. In another example, the first strategy is to modify the download status in the constraints to a second preset value. This embodiment combines the above two strategies, that is, first modify the download status, and then increase the number of retries.

[0041] In this embodiment, the download status in the constraint is modified to a second preset value, and then the number of retries for error events in the constraint is modified to a first preset value of 10. The second preset value is the Released state. As shown in Figure 3, when four types of error messages occur, the error state is first reset to the Released state, and multiple retries are performed on the running terminal, for example, 10 retries.

[0042] It should be noted that LPAd in Figures 2 and 3 specifically refers to LAP located in the mobile device. If it is eUICC, it can be represented by LPAe. Therefore, LPAd can be regarded as another form of representation of LAP.

[0043] When a terminal device fails to download the eSIM profile file due to its own configuration, fails to install the eSIM card in different network environments, or crashes or restarts, the SM-DP+ platform allows it to attempt the download multiple times without preventing it from initiating a second download. This increases the probability of the terminal device successfully downloading and installing the profile file, providing end users with the opportunity to reinstall the eSIM card, thereby improving user convenience and satisfaction. Furthermore, improved user convenience significantly reduces the cost of customer service teams for operators.

[0044] A second embodiment of this application provides a profile download device based on an eSIM card, including at least one processor and a memory. The memory stores a computer program, and the at least one processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, causing the at least one processor to perform the profile download method based on an eSIM card as described in the first embodiment.

[0045] Since the first embodiment corresponds to this embodiment, this embodiment can be implemented in conjunction with the first embodiment. The relevant technical details mentioned in the first embodiment remain valid in this embodiment, and the technical effects achievable in the first embodiment can also be achieved in this embodiment. To reduce repetition, they will not be repeated here. Correspondingly, the relevant technical details mentioned in this embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0046] The third embodiment of this application provides an SM-DP+ platform, including at least one processor and a memory. The memory stores a computer program, and the at least one processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, causing the at least one processor to perform the eSIM card-based profile download method as described in the first embodiment.

[0047] A fourth embodiment of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When executed by a processor, the computer program is used to implement the eSIM-based profile download method as described in the first embodiment. The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of this application without creative effort. Therefore, any technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of this application through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A profile download method based on an eSIM card, applied to the SM-DP+ platform, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: In response to an authentication request sent by a terminal device, a communication connection is established with the terminal device that has passed the authentication verification. The authentication request includes the access address of the DP+ platform and the AC activation code provided by the DP+ platform. Send the Profile file corresponding to the AC activation code to the terminal device; Receive error information sent by the terminal device, the error information corresponding to an error event that occurred on the terminal device during the installation of the Profile file; Determine whether the error message belongs to the state reset set. If the error message belongs to the state reset set, use the first strategy to modify the constraints of the Profile file download. If the error does not belong to the state reset set, keep the constraints unchanged.

2. The profile download method based on an eSIM card according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first strategy is to increase the number of retries for error events in the constraints.

3. The profile download method based on an eSIM card according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first strategy is to modify the number of retries for error events in the constraints to a first preset value.

4. The profile download method based on an eSIM card according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first strategy is to modify the download status in the constraint condition to a second preset value.

5. The profile download method based on an eSIM card according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second preset value is specifically the Release state.

6. The profile download method based on an eSIM card according to claim 1, characterized in that, The state reset set includes at least four types of error messages.

7. The profile download method based on an eSIM card according to claim 6, characterized in that, The specific identifiers corresponding to the four types of error messages are 10, 11, 13, and 127.

8. A profile download device based on an eSIM card, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the at least one processor executing the computer program stored in the memory, causing the at least one processor to perform the profile download method based on an eSIM card as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An SM-DP+ platform, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the at least one processor executing the computer program stored in the memory, causing the at least one processor to perform the profile download method based on an eSIM card as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the eSIM-based profile download method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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