Embedded UICC Provisioning via Wireless Network Contact

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for provisioning embedded universal integrated circuit cards in electronic devices are costly and inflexible, especially when devices need to switch between different mobile communication networks, and they lack efficient security measures.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves integrating the provisioning of embedded universal integrated circuit entities with the radio module during manufacturing, using a method that initializes the entity by generating a secret information, storing it securely, and establishing an initial communication contact to generate a unique serial number and access number, which enhances security and flexibility by allowing the device to be provisioned cost-effectively and used across various networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If embedded universal integrated circuit cards are integrated permanently into user equipment, then device size is reduced and accessibility is improved, but provisioning flexibility and security are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidprovisioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the provisioning process into distinct phases: initialization phase where the embedded UICC is activated and assigned a permanent identifier, and provisioning phase where network access parameters are configured. This segmentation allows the embedded UICC to maintain its permanent identity while enabling flexible network provisioning through separate configuration steps, resolving the contradiction between permanent integration and provisioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning a permanent identifier to the embedded UICC during manufacturing or initialization, before the device is deployed to specific networks. This preliminary identification enables later flexible provisioning to different networks without requiring physical card changes, thus maintaining both compact integration and provisioning adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If embedded universal integrated circuit cards are permanently integrated, then device complexity is reduced, but provisioning cost and security measures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidprovisioning cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the embedded UICC to automatically perform provisioning operations through wireless communication with network elements. The UICC autonomously receives and processes provisioning parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex external provisioning infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity and provisioning costs despite permanent integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical SIM card insertion and removal operations with electronic/wireless provisioning mechanisms. Instead of physically swapping cards to change networks, the system uses wireless communication to provision network parameters to the permanently integrated UICC, eliminating mechanical complexity while enabling flexible network switching through software-based provisioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional SIM cards are used, then network switching flexibility is maintained, but device size and accessibility are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork switching flexibilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the embedded UICC to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a permanent security anchor and a flexible network provisioning target. The UICC can be provisioned to access multiple different networks through wireless parameter configuration, replacing the need for physical card swaps while maintaining network switching flexibility, thus achieving multi-functionality in a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3205065B1Method for provisioning an embedded universal integrated circuit entity within an electronic device

Publication Date: 2021.12.08 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for provisioning an embedded universal integrated circuit entity integrated in an electronic device, wherein a memory area is assigned to the embedded universal integrated circuit entity, wherein the electronic device comprises a microprocessor as well as a radio module, wherein the embedded universal integrated circuit entity is in data communication with the microprocessor, wherein: the embedded universal integrated circuit entity is initialized, then transmits a secret information to the microprocessor, the secret information is stored in the memory area, an initial communication contact is established between the embedded universal integrated circuit entity and the mobile communication network or a server device, then an access number is transmitted to the electronic devic, wherein the access number is assigned by the mobile communication network to the embedded universal integrated circuit entity.