eSIM Activation via Device Model Information Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for remotely provisioning an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) are inefficient as they require the unique device identifier to be transmitted over a network, leading to resource wastage and potential security breaches due to the lack of an application programming interface (API) for direct communication between user devices and carrier platforms.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where user equipment (UE) identifies device model information to request eSIM activation and configuration without using the unique device identifier, utilizing APIs to interact with carrier and remote SIM provisioning platforms, thereby reducing network transmissions and enhancing security by avoiding the transmission of sensitive information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the unique device identifier is transmitted over the network for eSIM provisioning, then the eSIM can be activated and configured, but network resources are wasted and security is compromised due to unnecessary transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveeSIM provisioning efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential provisioning information from the unique device identifier by using only the device model information. This allows the eSIM provisioning process to proceed without transmitting the full unique device identifier, thereby reducing network resource consumption while maintaining provisioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device model information is identified and prepared in advance before the eSIM activation request is sent. This preliminary preparation allows the carrier platform to process the provisioning request efficiently without requiring subsequent transmissions of the unique device identifier, reducing overall network resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the unique device identifier is transmitted over the network, then eSIM activation can be requested, but security is weakened due to potential exposure of sensitive information

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveeSIM activation capabilityVSAvoidsecurity breach risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary device model information from the unique device identifier for the activation request. By removing the sensitive unique identifier from the transmission, the security risk is reduced while the eSIM activation capability is preserved through the use of device model information and carrier application coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of energy

If device model information is used instead of unique device identifier, then network transmissions are reduced and security is improved, but additional processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource consumptionVSAvoidprovisioning process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device model information acts as an intermediary between the unique device identifier and the eSIM provisioning process. This intermediary enables reduced network transmissions and improved security while the carrier application serves as another intermediary to coordinate the provisioning steps, managing the additional processing complexity behind the scenes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the unique device identifier is not transmitted, then security and resource efficiency are improved, but compatibility with existing systems may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidsystem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device model information serves as a universal identifier that can be used across different carrier systems and platforms. This multi-functional approach allows the eSIM provisioning to work with existing carrier platforms while improving resource efficiency, as the device model information can be processed by various systems without requiring the unique device identifier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11812505B2Methods and/or systems for activation and/or configuration of an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM)

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A device identifies device model information for the device. The device provides, to a first server device, an activation request that includes the device model information to activate an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) for the device. The device receives, from the first server device, an activation response that includes an eSIM profile identifier and location information that is to be used to identify eSIM profile configuration data (PCD). The device provides, to a second server device, a configuration request that includes an eSIM component identifier that identifies the eSIM of the device. The second server device is provided with the configuration request based on the location information. The device receives, from the second server device, a configuration response that includes the eSIM PCD. The device configures, by using the eSIM PCD, the eSIM with the eSIM profile.