Embedded UICC Profile Management for Compact Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UICC cards face challenges in size reduction due to physical constraints and are not suitable for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices, as they require a detachable slot and cannot be pre-configured with authentication information for specific mobile communication operators before user subscription.
Innovation Solution
A method for remotely installing UICC information in an embedded security module within a mobile communication terminal using a profile management server and profile provision server, allowing users to securely manage authentication information for various operators by generating, encrypting, and transmitting profiles to the terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detachable UICC card is used, then the terminal can be equipped with a security module, but the terminal requires space for a detachable slot and the UICC cannot be further reduced in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UICC card with the terminal device by embedding it directly into the terminal housing. The UICC card is installed in a predetermined groove during terminal manufacturing, eliminating the need for a separate detachable slot. This integration maintains security functionality while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The UICC card is pre-installed in the terminal during the manufacturing stage before the product reaches the user. This preliminary action ensures the security module is already in place and configured, eliminating the need for users to handle card insertion/removal and simplifying the terminal design by removing the detachable slot mechanism.
2Productivity
If authentication information is stored in the UICC at manufacturing stage, then the UICC can be used immediately, but the UICC cannot be switched between different mobile communication operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic profile management system where the UICC card can store multiple operator profiles and switch between them. The profile management server enables remote updates and switching of authentication information, allowing the UICC to adapt to different operators while maintaining immediate usability. Users can switch operators by selecting different profiles without physical card changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The UICC card is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple mobile communication operators through profile management. Instead of being dedicated to a single operator, the card can store and switch between different operator profiles, making it universally compatible with various networks while maintaining immediate readiness for use.
3Volume of moving object
If the UICC size is reduced to fit compact terminals, then the terminal design becomes more compact, but the loss probability of the small UICC card increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the UICC card directly into the terminal housing, merging it with the device structure. Small-sized UICC cards are installed in predetermined grooves during manufacturing, eliminating the risk of loss associated with detachable cards. This integration maintains terminal compactness while ensuring the security module remains securely in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The UICC card is pre-installed in the terminal during the manufacturing stage, securing it in a predetermined groove before the product reaches the user. This preliminary installation eliminates the risk of the small UICC card being lost, as it is permanently integrated into the terminal structure rather than being a separate detachable component.
4Device complexity
If an embedded security module is installed in the terminal at manufacturing stage, then the terminal design becomes compact and suitable for M2M devices, but authentication information for specific operators cannot be installed before user subscription
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic profile management system where authentication information is installed remotely after the terminal is manufactured. The embedded security module is pre-configured with the capability to receive and store operator profiles through a profile management server. This allows the terminal to maintain compact design while enabling flexible operator configuration based on user subscription, rather than requiring pre-configuration at manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a profile management server as an intermediary between the terminal manufacturer and the user. This server enables remote installation and management of authentication information in the embedded security module after manufacturing. The intermediary system allows operator profiles to be configured based on user subscription without requiring pre-configuration at the manufacturing stage, resolving the contradiction between compact design and ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing a profile, and more specifically, to a method for managing mobile communication subscriber information (profile), such as for remotely installing and uninstalling a profile onto a security module (Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC)) that is embedded inside a terminal and that is not attachable or detachable, thereby replacing UICC. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for a server installing a profile, wherein the method for the server installing the profile for a terminal having an embedded security module comprises the steps of: receiving from the terminal a profile installation request including an identifier of the terminal embedded security module; receiving an encrypted profile corresponding to the installation request; and transmitting to the terminal the encrypted profile.